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1. References
a) Barbados Merchant Shipping Act (CAP 296).
b) Barbados S.I 2001 No. 44 – Shipping (Safe Manning, Watchkeeping and Hours of Work) Regulations, 2001.
c) SOLAS, International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
d) IMO Assembly Resolution A.1047(27), Principles of minimum safe manning, adopted 30 November 2011.
e) Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC).
f) The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, (STCW Convention).
g) The Seafarers’ Training, Certification and Watchkeeping Code (STCW Code).
h) The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code).
i) Form 159 – Table of Shipboard working Arrangements.
j) Form 12 – Application for Safe Manning Document.
k) IMO/ILO Guidelines for the development of tables of seafarers’ shipboard working arrangements and formats of records of seafarers’ hours of work or hours of rest.
2.1 This Bulletin sets out the measures adopted by the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR) to ensure Barbadian vessels comply with Barbados CAP 296 Section 211, Barbados S.I 2001 No. 44 , SOLAS Regulation V/14, IMO Assembly Resolution A.1047(27), MLC, STCW Convention Regulation VIII/2 and STCW Code Section A-VIII/2.
2.2 The requirements of this Bulletin are to ensure that Barbadian vessels are sufficiently, effectively, and efficiently manned to provide safety and security of the vessel, safe navigation and operations at sea, safe operations in port, prevention of human injury or loss of life, the avoidance of damage to the marine environment and to property, and to ensure the welfare and health of seafarers through the avoidance of fatigue.
3. Application
3.1 The safe manning requirements of Section 4 and the Barbados shipboard working arrangements requirements of Section 5, apply to all Barbadian vessels.
3.2 The requirements for a Safe Manning Document (SMD) of Section 5 apply to vessels engaged on international voyages and commercial yachts of 500 GT and greater.
3.3 The requirements for a Safe Manning Document (SMD) of Section 5 do not apply to :
.1 Ships of war and troopships.
.2 Cargo ships of less than 500 gross tonnage.
.3 Vessels not propelled by mechanical means.
.4 Wooden ships of primitive build.
.5 Pleasure yachts not engaged in trade.
.6 Fishing vessels.
4. Safe Manning Requirements
4.1 The Company and the Master shall ensure that all persons joining a vessel or unit are immediately given appropriate familiarization training with respect to the vessel for emergency, safety, security and environmental responsibilities in addition to their respective duties and functions.
4.2 The Company and the Master of a vessel shall ensure that watch standards and arrangements as outlined in STCW Convention Chapter VIII are always maintained.
4.3 The Company and the Master shall meet the relevant requirements of MLC 2006 and STCW Convention Chapter VIII with respect to periods of rest and prevention of alcohol abuse for any person assigned or performing designated safety, prevention of pollution and security duties.
4.4 Vessel’s Cook
.1 In all cases where the total manning consists of 10 persons or more, there shall be a dedicated certified cook.
.2 As per MLC A3.2.5, on vessels operating with a prescribed manning of less than 10 the company should have one person designated as the Cook. If the appointed person does not hold a vessel’s cook certificate, then the person is to be trained or instructed in areas including food and personal hygiene as well as handling and storage of food on board vessel.
4.5 Ship Security Officer (SSO)
.1 All persons, onboard vessels to which the International Code for the Security of Ships and Port Facilities (ISPS Code) applies, shall have received security training in accordance with STCW Convention Regulation VI/6. One appropriately trained person shall be designated as the Ship Security Officer (SSO) as required under the ISPS Code.
.2 The SSO may be the Master, or any other person designated by the Company. The designated officer shall meet the training requirements in accordance with the provisions of STCW Regulation VI/5 and shall be directly responsible to the Master (if the SSO is not the Master) and the Company Security Officer (CSO) in compliance with vessel’s SMS.
.3 The Company shall ensure that one of the capacities proposed to be included on the SMD is also able to carry out the duties of the SSO.
4.6 Persons Assigned Electronic and Electrical Duties
.1 A vessel powered by main propulsion machinery of 750 kW propulsion power or more may carry persons who are specifically assigned the specific duties, tasks and responsibilities relating to electrical and electronic tasks. If required to be carried, these persons should be certified as Electro-Technical Officers or Electro-Technical Ratings and satisfy the requirements of STCW Regulations III/6 or III/7 respectively.
.2 The SMD need only include these persons if they are additional to the Engineering Officers and they have been assigned shipboard duties to satisfy the requirements of the maintenance of a safe engineering watch, emergency as specified in the Muster List or operation and maintenance of the vessel’s electrical, electronic and control systems.
4.7 Person Designated for Safety
.1 All vessels shall have a person, who may be the Master, who has responsibility for implementation of and compliance with the vessel’s occupational safety and health policy and programme.
4.8 Manning During Hours of Darkness and Restricted Visibility
.1 Companies shall ensure that the vessels have sufficient trained navigational watch-keeping personnel to ensure that the navigation control room/bridge is manned by at least 2 watch keepers during hours of darkness and conditions of restricted visibility. One of these watch keepers shall be a Deck Officer.
4.9 Manning Onboard Specific Ship
.1 Vessels with propulsion power of less than 750 kW
i) Vessels with propulsion power of less than 750 kW are not required to have an engineer certificated in accordance with STCW Convention. However, such vessels must have at least one person, other than the Master, who is trained and certified to operate the machinery onboard the vessel. If the training is not in accordance with STCW Convention then the person should have documentary evidence of his training and capability to perform the assigned tasks.
.2 Vessels with Unattended Machinery Space (UMS)
i) The UMS notation assigned by a Classification Society shall be considered when determining whether the machinery space can be unattended.
ii) If the manning of a vessel with propulsion power of more than 3000kW is based on UMS notation, then the vessel shall carry an additional watch-keeping engineer officer if the UMS systems are inoperative for more than seven days. The Company shall notify affected Classification Society and the BMSR of the related equipment failure affecting the UMS notation.
.3 Tankers
i) Companies operating tankers shall ensure that all officers, ratings, and persons involved in cargo operation hold a basic training in accordance with the provisions of STCW requirements relating to the type of tanker on which the person is serving.
ii) Officer shall have the Certificate of Proficiency STCW V/1-1 and V/1-2 endorsed by the BMSR.
.4 Vessels Fitted with ECDIS
i) The Company should ensure that if the vessel is fitted with ECDIS, the Master and navigating officers have appropriate generic and type specific ECDIS training.
ii) The Master shall ensure that all affected officers have documentary evidence ECDIS training prior to be assigned their onboard navigational duties.
4.10 Employment of Additional Seafarers by the Company.
.1 A Company may decide to employ more seafarers than stipulated in the SMD. These seafarers shall be trained to a level appropriate to their duties in addition to having the minimum basic training for emergency, safety, and survival. The statutory certificates will detail the maximum number of persons on board and there must be sufficient accommodation satisfying the MLC 2006 (as amended) standards for that number.
.2 There are a number of capacities that are not identified in STCW and accordingly the SMD may not refer to them. The Company should decide on their qualification or experience in accordance with the objectives of their Safety Management System but if the persons are employed and assigned shipboard safety, security, environmental protection, cargo operations or watch-keeping duties, the person must complete STCW basic training before joining the vessel and receive shipboard familiarization training before being assigned their shipboard tasks/duties.
4.11 Employment of Seafarers for vessel with no SMD requirements
.1 On a vessel that is not required to comply with the SMD requirements, either because not engaged on international voyages or exempted as per Sec. 3.3 above, the seafarers are not required to have STCW qualifications but they shall be trained to a level appropriate to their duties in addition to having the minimum basic training for emergency, safety, and survival.
.2 The Company should decide on their qualification or experience in accordance with the objectives of their Safety Management System but if the persons are employed and assigned shipboard safety, security, environmental protection, cargo operations or watch-keeping duties, the person must complete STCW basic training before joining the vessel and receive shipboard familiarization training before being assigned their shipboard tasks/duties.
.3 The statutory certificates will detail the maximum number of persons on board and there must be sufficient accommodation satisfying the MLC 2006 (as amended) standards for that number.
5. Watchkeeping
5.1 The company responsible for the operation of the vessel shall ensure that all watch standers on board its vessels adhere to the minimum limits of hours of rest in accordance with international regulations.
5.2 For vessels of 3000 GT and above and propulsion power of 3000 KW and above the Master and the chief engineer should not be part of the vessel watches and a three-watch system should be adopted for both the deck and engine watches.
5.3 For vessels of less than 3000 GT and with propulsion power of less than 3000 KW two-watch system may be adopted provided that the requirements for work and rest hours are met.
5.4 For deck watches that are normally limited in numbers, a routine for providing additional assistance without delay shall be established and standby personnel shall be identified and immediately contactable.
5.5 On vessels with periodically unattended machinery spaces (UMS) notation and of less than 2000 KW propulsion power and in case of limited number of cabins and bunks a watch with only the Chief engineer may be adopted during the daytime (0800-2000) provided that the requirements for work and rest hours are met and that additional assistance without delay is established.
5.6 When the engine watch is only with the Chief engineer, the Company shall anticipate the number of hours that the Chief engineer must devote to unscheduled work in case of emergency. As soon as practicable after the normal situation has been restored, the Chief engineer shall have an adequate period of rest.
6. Radio Watchkeeping
6.1 On Barbadian vessels with the GMDSS, all officers with radio duties shall hold a valid BMSR endorsed GMDSS radio operators Certificate of Competency (COC), as per STCW IV/2. Therefore, a Barbadian vessel shall have on board at least two officers to carry out radio duties in their own respective watch, when a 2-watch system is in place.
6.2 In case of a 3-watch system, to ensure a continuous radio watch while at sea, the third watch should either be supported by one of the two officers as per Sec.
6.1 above or manned with a third officer who also holds a BMSR endorsed GMDSS radio operators COC.
6.3 When the officers of Sec. 6.1 above provide support for the third watch their total hours of work and rest are to be maintained at all times.
6.4 The BMSR endorsed GMDSS radio operators COC is to be adequate for the Sea Areas (A1, A2,A3, A4) on which the vessel operates.
7. The Barbados Shipboard Working Arrangements
7.1 In compliance with the Barbados S.I 2001 No. 44 and with IMO/ILO Guidelines for the development of tables of seafarers’ shipboard working arrangements, the company shall produce a shipboard working arrangements (SWA) of hours of work and rest for all seafarers on board which includes regular watchkeeping duties and non-watchkeeping duties at sea and in port.
7.2 The SWA shall be based on the BMSR format as per Form 159 – Table of Shipboard Working Arrangements, which is to be signed by the Master and be posted or maintained to be easily accessible and capable of being verified by Barbados Appointed Nautical Inspectors and Port State Control Officers.
7.3 A Copy of the Form 159 – Table of Shipboard Working Arrangements shall be submitted to BMSR in order to verify the vessel is safely manned.
7.4 Records of each seafarers’ daily hours of work or rest shall be maintained on board and with a model format as per Appendix 4 of the IMO/ILO Guidelines for the development of tables of seafarers’ shipboard working arrangements.
8. Safe Manning Document – Requirements
8.1 The Company shall make an application for a SMD following an assessment that takes into consideration Sections 8.2, 8.3 and 8.4 of this Bulletin.
8.2 The minimum safe manning of a vessel should be established by taking into account all relevant factors, including the following:
.1 size and type of vessel;
.2 number, size and type of main propulsion units and auxiliaries;
.3 level of vessel automation;
.4 construction and equipment of the vessel;
.5 method of maintenance used;
.6 cargo to be carried;
.7 frequency of port calls, length, and nature of voyages to be undertaken;
.8 trading area(s), waters, and operations in which the vessel is involved;
.9 extent to which training activities are conducted on board;
.10 degree of shoreside support provided to the vessel by the company;
.11 applicable work hour limits and/or rest requirements; and
.12 the provisions of the approved Ship’s Security Plan.
8.3 In determining the minimum safe manning of a vessel the following principles should be observed.
.1 The capability to:
i) Maintain safe navigational, port, engineering, and radio watches in accordance with regulation VIII/2 of the STCW Convention, as amended, and also maintain general surveillance of the vessel;
ii) moor and unmoor the vessel safely;
iii) manage the safety functions of the vessel when employed in a stationary or near stationary mode at sea;
iv) perform operations, as appropriate, for the prevention of damage to the marine environment;
v) maintain the safety arrangements and the cleanliness of all accessible spaces to minimize the risk of fire;
vi) provide for medical care on board vessel;
vii) ensure safe carriage of cargo during transit;
viii) inspect and maintain, as appropriate, the structural integrity of the vessel;
ix) operate in accordance with the approved Ship’s Security Plan;
.2 The ability to:
i) operate all watertight closing arrangements and maintain them in effective condition, and also deploy a competent damage control party;
ii) operate all onboard firefighting and emergency equipment and life saving appliances, carry out such maintenance of this equipment as is required to be done at sea, and muster and disembark all persons on board;
iii) operate the main propulsion and auxiliary machinery including pollution prevention equipment and maintain them in a safe condition to enable the vessel to overcome the foreseeable perils of the voyage.
8.4 The following onboard functions, when applicable, should also be taken into account:
.1 ongoing training requirements for all personnel, including the operation and use of fire fighting and emergency equipment, life-saving appliances, and watertight closing arrangements;
.2 specialized training requirements for particular types of vessels and in instances where crew members are engaged in shipboard tasks that cross departmental boundaries;
.3 provision of proper food and drinking water;
.4 need to undertake emergency duties and responsibilities; and
.5 need to provide training opportunities for entrant seafarers to allow them to gain the training and experience needed.
9. Safe Manning Document – Temporary Exemption
9.1 In cases of Force Majeure, where the manning level falls below that of the SMD e.g., due to crew illness, unexpected repatriation on compassionate grounds etc., the vessel may as a temporary measure, sail with one person less than that stipulated in the SMD and in exemption of SOLAS V/14 provisions. This does not apply to the capacities of Master and chief engineer.
9.2 In all such cases the Master, in consultation with the chief engineer where the shortage relates to an engineer officer, should ensure that there is a continuity of watches by duly qualified persons without affecting the statutory minimum periods of rest.
9.3 The shortage must be filled at the earliest opportunity and in any case not later than fourteen (14) days or at the next port if the intended voyage is more than fourteen (14) days.
9.4 In circumstances of exceptional necessity, as per MLC Standard A3.2.6, where a Company is unable to achieve the minimum manning due to the lack of a duly certificated Cook, a temporary exemption from the provision of MLC Regulation 3.2.3 may be granted and permitting a non-fully qualified cook to serve in a specified vessel for a specified limited period, until the next convenient port of call or for a period not exceeding 1 month, provided that the person to whom the dispensation is issued is trained or instructed in areas including food and personal hygiene as well as handling and storage of food on board vessel.
9.5 The BMSR must be notified and provided with the following information, which must also be duly recorded in the Official Logbook:
i) Name and IMO Number of the vessel
ii) Capacity and rank of the officer
iii) Reason for exemption
iv) No. of crew onboard, excluding the affected officer
v) The Port of departure and arrival with the shortage
vi) Date of departure and ETD
10. Safe Manning Document – Application
10.1 The Company shall submit of a proposal for minimum safe manning defining the nature of the operation of the vessel, taking into account the requirements of Section 8 of this Bulletin.
10.2 The minimum SMD can be issued with a designation of “Unlimited” or “Limited” trading areas, for those vessels which have operations to a limited geographical area.
10.3 “Limited” trading areas are when:
.1 The voyages do not exceed 24 hours between ports of calls; or
.2 Voyages are within 200 nm from the nearest shore; or
.3 Enclosed areas.
10.4 Enclosed areas, may include, but are not limited to:
.1 Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Caspian Sea, Black Sea, Azov Sea, North Sea, Gulf of Aden, Baltic Sea, Persian Gulf;
.2 Caribbean Sea (restricted areas 1, II, and/or III, as defined in CCSS Code);
10.5 A vessel which operates part of the time within a limited areas and part of the time on more extensive voyages may elect to have two (2) SMDs.
10.6 To apply for an SMD the Form 12 – Application for Safe Manning Document shall be used.
10.7 The fields of the SMD application Form are to be completed with accurate information. If an item does not apply to the vessel, “N/A” is to be placed in the space. The application is to be completed and signed by a person appointed by the Company.
10.8 A guideline of the minimum manning levels required by the BMSR for unlimited and limited trading areas is provided in Appendix A of this Bulletin.
10.9 If there are special considerations that may affect manning levels, they should be included on the form at the bottom of the second box where it says “Comments/Special Considerations or vessel configurations that may affect manning.” This could include operations such as coastal or domestic trade, number of cabins and/or bunks on the vessel, the vessel’s intended port schedule, etc.
10.10 In assessing minimum deck manning, the BMSR shall consider the vessel’s dimensions, layout of crew accommodation, and internal communications systems, all of which affect crew capabilities and response reactions, the vessel’s propulsion power, the engine room layout and proximity to boiler rooms, etc.
10.11 In this respect the BMSR may increase the scale of manning from that proposed by the Company. The BMSR will not normally reduce the manning level from that proposed by the Company unless it considers certain references in the SMD application proposed by the Company are unnecessary or inconsistent with standard practices.
11. Safe Manning Document – Validity
11.1 In compliance with the requirements of Annex 5 of the IMO Assembly Resolution A.1047(27) an SMD issued to a vessel shall have a validity of 5 years from the date of issue.
11.2 A new SMD is also required to be issued when:
i) there is a change of vessel’s name; or
ii) there is a change of trading area; or
iii) change of ISM Managers; or
iv) any other changes/alterations to the vessel, its crew, construction, machinery, equipment, operation, maintenance, or management that affects the manning level required to continue safe operations.
12. Port State Control
12.1 The STCW Convention, Regulation I/4, enables port State authorities to verify conditions on any vessel, particularly as to the qualifications and ability of personnel on board. Port State authorities may pay particular attention to the following:
.1 that all seafarers on board who are required to be certificated hold an appropriate Barbados certificate or provide documentary proof that an application for an endorsement has been submitted to the BMSR; and/or
.2 the numbers and certificates of the seafarers serving on board conform to the applicable safe manning requirements of the BMSR.
12.2 In accordance with section A-I/4 of the STCW Code, port State authorities may assess the ability of the seafarers of the vessel to maintain watchkeeping standards as required by the STCW Convention, if there are clear grounds for believing that such standards are not being maintained because of any of the following having occurred:
.1 the vessel has been involved in a collision, grounding, or stranding;
.2 there has been a discharge of substances from the vessel when underway, at anchor or at berth, which is illegal under any international convention;
.3 the vessel has been manoeuvred in an erratic or unsafe manner whereby routing measures adopted by the IMO or safe navigation practices and procedures have not been followed; or
.4 the vessel is otherwise being operated in such a manner as to pose a danger to persons, property, or the environment.
12.3 Regulation 2.7 of the MLC requires vessels to have a sufficient number of seafarers employed on board to ensure that they are operated safely, efficiently, and with due regard to security under all conditions, taking into account concerns about seafarer fatigue and the particular nature and conditions of the voyage. Port State Control (PSC) officers are entitled to verify that this is the case when there are grounds for carrying out a more detailed inspection.
Appendix A
The tables given below are provided for guidance/reference and are samples only, to assist Owners/Managers when making a proposal for minimum safe manning levels.
Deck Department
| Vessel Size | Capacity | STCW Reg. | N.of Persons Unlimited | N. of Persons Limited1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≥ 10,000 GT | Master | II/2 | 1 | 1 |
| Chief Mate | II/2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Officer of the Navigational Watch | II/1 | 2 | 1(2) | |
| Navigational Watch Rating | II/4(3) | 3 | 2 | |
| Able Seafarer Deck | II/5(3) | 2 | 2 | |
| Total | 9 | 7 | ||
| ≥ 3,000 GT < 10,000 GT | Master | II/2 | 1 | 1 |
| Chief Mate | II/2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Officer of the Navigational Watch | II/1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Navigational Watch Rating | II/4(3) | 3 | 3 | |
| Able Seafarer Deck | II/5(3) | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 7 | 6 | ||
| ≥ 1000 GT < 3,000 GT | Master | II/2 | 1 | 1 |
| Chief Mate | II/2 | 1 | 1 | |
| Officer of the Navigational Watch | II/1 | 1 | 0(2) | |
| Navigational Watch Rating | II/4(3) | 3 | 2 | |
| Able Seafarer Deck | II/5(3) | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 6 | 4 | ||
| ≥ 500 GT < 1,000 GT | Master | II/2 | 1 | 1 |
| Chief Mate | II/2 | 1 | 0 | |
| Officer of the Navigational Watch | II/1 | 0(2) | 1(2) | |
| Navigational Watch Rating | II/4(3) | 2 | 2 | |
| Able Seafarer Deck | II/5(3) | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 4 | 4 | ||
| <500 GT | Master | II/3 | 1 | 1 |
| Chief Mate | II/3 | 0 | 0 | |
| Officer of the Navigational Watch | II/1 | 1 | 1 | |
| Navigational Watch Rating | II/4(3) | 2 | 1 | |
| Able Seafarer Deck | II/5(3) | 1 | 0 | |
| Total | 5 | 3 |
(1) See Sec. 10.3
(2) BMSR may request one ONW be added, following review of vessel’s operational area and type of ship.
(3) BMSR will accept alternative manning for ranks II/4 and II/5 as far as the total number is as per table.
Engine Department
| Propulsion power | Capacity | STCW Reg. | N. of Persons Unlimited | N. of Persons Limited3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≥ 3,000 kW NOT UMS | Chief Engineer | III/2 | 1 | 1 |
| Second Engineer | III/2 | 1(5) | 1 | |
| Officer in charge of the Engineering Watch | III/1 | 1(6) | 0(7) | |
| Engineering Watch Rating | III/4(9) | 2(6),(8) | 2(6),(8) | |
| Able Seafarer Engine | III/5(9) | 1 | 1 | |
| Total | 6 | 5 | ||
| ≥ 750 kW < 3,000 kW NOT UMS | Chief Engineer | III/3 | 1 | 1 |
| Second Engineer | III/3 | 1(6) | 0(7) | |
| Officer in charge of the Engineering Watch | III/1 | 0(7) | 1(6) | |
| Engineering Watch Rating | III/4(9) | 2(6),(8),(10) | 1(8),(10) | |
| Able Seafarer Engine | III/5(9) | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 4 | 3 | ||
| < 750 kW10 (11) NOT UMS | Chief Engineer | III/3 | 1(12) | 1(12) |
| Second Engineer | III/3 | 0 | 0 | |
| Officer in charge of the Engineering Watch | III/1 | 1(6),(10) | 1(6),(10) | |
| Engineering Watch Rating | III/4(9) | 0(8) | 0 | |
| Able Seafarer Engine | III/5(9) | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 2 | 2 |
(4) See Sec. 10.3
(5) For UMS notation ONLY, BMSR might accept an OICEW in lieu of the Second Engineer III/2.
(6) Manning may be reduced by one at this rank if vessel classed with UMS.
(7) BMSR may request one additional one at this rank.
(8) Tankers of 1000 GT or more shall add one additional Engineering Watch Rating.
(9) BMSR will accept alternative manning for ranks III/4 and III/5 as far as the total number is as per table.
(10) Manning may be reduced by one see Sec. 5.5.
(11) See Sec. 4.9.1.
(12) BMSR might accept an OICEW in lieu of the Chief Engineer III/3.
| Revision No | Description Of Revision |
| 1.0 | First Issue |
| 1.1 | Amended hyperlinks and bulletin format |
| 2.0 | Bulletin format and Appendix table conditions |
| 3.0 | Major revision with several amendments in all sections and replaced “wording “ship” with “vessel” in all sections. Added section 6 Radio Watchkeeping. Added footnote 9 |
| 3.1 | Added new section |
| 3.2 | 3.2 Added Sec. 3.3 and 4.11. Amended Sec. 3.2, 4.4.1. Amended Appendix A Deck Department table. |
1. References
a) Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024.
2. Purpose
2.1 This Bulletin is to advise on the process for the registration and discharge of mortgages on a vessel registered with the BMSR.
3. Mortgage – General
3.1 No mortgage instrument can be recorded on vessel that are in bareboat chartered (Demise In) with the BMSR and have dual registration with another register ( Primary Registry).
3.2 Except as far as is necessary to make a mortgaged vessel or mortgaged share available as a security for the mortgage debt, the mortgagee is not, by reason only of the mortgage, the owner of the vessel or share; nor does the owner cease to be the owner thereof by reason only of the mortgage.
3.3 A registered mortgagee has the absolute power to dispose of the vessel or share to which the registered mortgage relates and to give effectual receipts for the purchase money.
3.4 When there are more persons than one registered as mortgagees of the same vessel or same share, a mortgagee is not entitled, except by order of a court of competent jurisdiction, to sell that vessel or share without the concurrence of every prior mortgagee whose mortgage is earlier in time than his/her.
3.5 A registered mortgage of a vessel or share is not affected by any act of bankruptcy committed by the mortgagor after the date of the record of the mortgage in the register, notwithstanding that the mortgagor at the beginning of his bankruptcy had the vessel or share in his possession, order or disposition, or was reputed owner thereof; and the mortgagee is preferred to any right, claim or interest therein of the other creditors of the bankruptcy or any trustee or assignee on their behalf.
3.6 A mortgage may secure future advances and shall not be extinguished or lose its priority because all previously outstanding obligations secured thereby have been fully repaid or otherwise performed.
3.7 The obligations secured by a mortgage may be expressed in any unit or units of amount to which the parties may agree, including but not limited to currency of Barbados, currency or currencies of any foreign state or states or in equivalents of any other unit or units of account established by intergovernmental organisations.
3.8 A fee for “Mortgage Transaction” is applied for any registration, transfer, and discharge of Mortgages. See Barbados Maritime Ship Registry Fees.
3.9 Mortgages can be recorded on a Barbadian vessel as soon as the vessel has been issued with a provisional Certificate of Registry (COR). If for any reasons the vessel in not permanently registered, the mortgages remains open even when the vessel has left the register as per sections 3.10, 3.11 and 3.12 below.
3.10 As per Ch.270(3) & (4) of Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024, in the event of a registered vessel being actually or constructively lost, taken by the enemy, burnt or broken up, or ceasing to be a Barbadian vessel, the registration of the vessel shall be considered as closed except so far as relates to existing certificates of mortgage entered therein.
3.11 When the mortgage is not discharged prior to the vessel leaving the Register, the Register’s entry remains open showing details of the mortgage until such time as the mortgage is discharged.
3.12 In the case of the vessel having a mortgage against it being removed from the register, the BMSR will provide advance written notification to the mortgagee(s) announcing the pending deletion.
3.13 Any interested party can purchase a Transcript of Register of the Mortgage by email to registry@barbadosmaritime.com or on through the BMSR Portal. The Transcript of Register provides the Register details of the vessel’s mortgage, encumbrances, and liens, noting the time and date the revisions were recorded.
4. Mortgage Registration
4.1 For the recording of a mortgage against a vessel documentation listed in PPR02-C01 Checklist for Registration and Discharge of Mortgage has to be submitted by email to registry@barbadosmaritime.com.
4.2 Mortgages are registered against the vessel concerned once the documentation has been reviewed and confirmed by the BMSR as complete and acceptable.
4.3 Mortgages are recorded in the order in time in which they are produced to the BMSR, and not according to the date of the mortgage. Each mortgage priority over any other mortgage is recorded by the noting of the date and time of each mortgage’s entry and the allocation of a letter denoting the order of the mortgage entry, ‘A’ confirming the first mortgage recorded.
4.4 Each mortgage is lettered sequentially along with:
.1 The number of shares assigned to the mortgage being entered;
.2 The nature and date of the transfer of interest;
.3 The name and address of the mortgagee acquiring title or power.
4.5 Where the vessel has been previously registered in a foreign country and mortgages were registered against that vessel, at the time of registration the BMSR is to receive the written consent of every mortgagee and those mortgages are shall be recorded in the order of precedence as was indicated in the previous register.
4.6 The original mortgage instrument is signed and filled in with the date and time of the recording into the Register. A copy of the mortgage instrument is retained by the BMSR, and the signed original is returned to each mortgagee or despatched elsewhere according to the instructions received from the sender.
4.7 On completion of the mortgage registration the BMSR will issue a Transcript of Register, which provides the revised Register details noting the time and date the revisions were recorded.
5. Transfer of Mortgage
5.1 For the transfer of a mortgage against a vessel a declaration of transmission is to be submitted along with the documents listed in PPR02-C01 Checklist for Registration and Discharge of Mortgage by email to registry@barbadosmaritime.com.
5.2 A registered mortgage or transfer of a vessel or share therein may be transferred to any person.
5.3 On the production of an instrument of transfer in the prescribed form, the BMSR will record it by entering in the register the name of the transferee or mortgagee of the vessel or share; and shall endorse on the instrument of transfer a note that it has been recorded by him/her on the date and time stated.
5.4 When the interest of a mortgagee in a vessel or share therein is transmitted on death or bankruptcy or by other lawful means not being a voluntary transfer, the transmission must be authenticated by a declaration of transmission by the person to whom the interest is transmitted.
5.5 On receipt of a declaration of transmission of a registered mortgage accompanied by the required evidence, the BMSR shall enter the name of the person entitled under the transmission in the register as mortgagee of the vessel or share in respect of which the transmission has occurred.
5.6 On completion of the transfer of mortgage the BMSR will issue a Transcript of Register. This provides a hard copy of the revised Register details noting the time and date the revisions were recorded.
6. Mortgage Discharge
6.1 For the discharge of a mortgage, documentation listed in PPR02-C01 Checklist for Registration and Discharge of Mortgage has to be submitted by email to registry@barbadosmaritime.com .
6.2 The discharge of a mortgage is initiated by the submission of the original mortgage instrument by the owner (mortgagor) or lending bank (mortgagee) bearing the endorsement of the mortgagee that the mortgage has been discharged.
6.3 The BMSR will record the discharge of the mortgage by making an entry assigned to the relevant mortgage, recording the date and time of the entry.
6.4 The BMSR will sign and stamp the mortgage instrument recording the date and time the mortgage was discharged.
6.5 The original mortgage instrument will be returned to the person designated by the sender.
6.6 On completion of the Mortgage discharge the BMSR will issue a Transcript of Register. This provides a hard copy of the revised Register details noting the time and date the revisions were recorded.
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1. References
a) Barbados Merchant Shipping Act 2024.
b) SOLAS, International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea.
c) MSC.1/Circ.1307/Rev.1 Guidance on the survey and certification of compliance of ships with the requirement to transmit LRIT information
d) Bulletin 008 – Permits Exemptions and Equivalences
e) MSC.1/Circ.1295 Guidance in relation to certain types of ships which are required to transmit LRIT information on Exemptions and Equivalents on certain operational matters
2. Purpose
2.1 This bulletin addresses the requirements for Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) for Barbadian vessels, as required under SOLAS V/19-1, which entered into force on 01 January 2008.
2.2 This Bulletin revokes Information Bulletins 160 and 252.
3. General Information regarding the LRIT service
3.1 The LRIT is a method through which the BMSR knows the location of its vessels anywhere in the world, as well as vessels of any other flag States transiting Barbadian waters. The standard accuracy reflects a vessel’s position that is 6 hours old; in cases of special concern, the frequency can be increased to provide instantaneous vessel positions. Any necessary changes are made at the Barbados Data Centre; no adjustments are required on board the vessel’s equipment.
4. Application
4.1 LRIT transmission requirements apply to all Barbadian Passenger Ships, including High-Speed Passenger Craft, Cargo Ships, including High-Speed Craft, of 300 gross tonnage and above, and Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) engaged in international voyages.
4.2 The BMSR provides exemptions from the LRIT transmission requirements in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1295.
4.3 Vessels operating exclusively in a GMDSS A1 sea area and fitted with AIS are not required to install LRIT equipment. However, such vessels will need to obtain an exemption or equivalent arrangement if they engage in an international voyage outside the GMDSS A1 sea area.
4.4 Any application for exemption or equivalence shall be submitted as per Sec. 6 of Bulletin 008 with details of the proposed voyage including dates, length of voyage, port/place of departure and port/location of destination.
5. The Barbados LRIT Data Centre
5.1 In accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1307/Rev.1 Sec. 3.1.1, the Barbados LRIT Data Centre is managed on behalf of the BMSR by CLS UK that is also authorised as the sole Barbados-recognised Application Service Provider (Recognised ASP) to perform the functions in line with the current LRIT performance standards and functional requirements.
5.2 Registration for the Barbados LRIT Data Centre and LRIT test can be done either:
.1 On the CLS UK website Vessel Registration; or
.2 Contacting CLS UK Customer Services: lrit.testing@groupcls.com.
5.3 All applicable Barbadian vessels will be integrated into the Barbados LRIT Data Centre, subject to a satisfactory conformance test of the shipborne LRIT equipment.
5.4 The BMSR will notify the Company of any failure of the Recognised ASP, Communication Service Provider (CSP), Barbados LRIT Data Centre or any other circumstances that will affect the transmission of LRIT information from the vessel. The Master shall record such notifications in the vessel’s Official Log Book.
6. Conformance Test Report (CTR)
6.1 The equipment used for these transmissions of LRIT information is to be tested by an approved Application Service Provider (ASP). Upon successful completion of the test, the vessel is issued with an LRIT Conformance Test Report (CTR) confirming that the vessel’s equipment is ready for activation from the Barbados Data Centre.
6.2 One copy of the CTR shall be sent to the BMSR, and another copy shall be kept onboard to provide to the Recognised Organisation (RO) surveyors at the relevant statutory surveys.
6.3 The RO will ensure that the vessel has a valid CTR on board before issuing the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate (CS SEC) during the applicable surveys.
6.4 For cargo ships of gross tonnage of 300 and above but of less than 500, which have not been issued with a CS SEC, compliance with the LRIT requirements is verified by confirming that a valid CTR is on board at annual flag inspection.
6.5 The conformance test shall be conducted taking into consideration the criteria noted in accordance with the provisions of SOLAS V/19-1.4.1.
6.6 Where the LRIT equipment is being used for another function, e.g. Ship Security Alert System (SSAS) or GMDSS transmission, the equipment shall also comply with the relevant performance standards relating to that function.
6.7 Where existing GMDSS equipment is utilised to transmit LRIT information, and where, to comply with the requirements of SOLAS IV/15.6 regarding availability, duplicated equipment on vessels operating in sea areas A1 or A2 is provided; only one set of the duplicated equipment shall be used for transmitting LRIT information. However, a satisfactory conformance test must be carried out and a CTR issued for each set of equipment.
6.8 The CTR will be annotated to reflect that the LRIT equipment satisfies the applicable type-approval and/or certification in accordance with the applicable requirements of:
.1 IEC 60945/IEC 60945 Corr.1; and, if applicable
.2 SOLAS IV/14 (i.e. where a terminal is approved for GMDSS functions); and, if applicable
.3 SOLAS XI-2/6 (i.e. where a terminal is approved for SSAS functions).
6.9 A new LRIT equipment CTR will be required if:
.1 A vessel registers with the BMSR;
.2 The vessel’s equipment fails, requiring replacement of the equipment;
.3 There are changes to the LRIT shipborne equipment;
.4 There are changes to the vessel’s details;
.5 The vessel is intended to operate outside the sea areas noted on the CTR.
6.10 The CTR shall be deemed invalid if:
.1 There is a change in the shipborne equipment used to transmit LRIT information;
.2 The vessel is transferred to another flag State, subject to the provisions of SOLAS V/19-1.10.1;
.3 The ASP, which issued the CTR, has notified BMSR or the RO, which issued the relevant statutory certificate, is no longer in a position to attest to the validity of the report; and
.4 The BMSR withdraws the recognition or authorisation of the ASP that conducted the conformance test.
7. Failure of the LRIT Equipment and Temporary Permits
7.1 The Master or the Company Security Officer (CSO) shall notify the BMSR, the port or coastal State authorities of any failure of the LRIT equipment, and the notification shall be recorded in the vessel’s Official Log Book.
7.2 The communication of the LRIT failure to the BMSR shall be conducted in accordance with Sec. 5.2 of Bulletin 008. Upon receipt of this notification, the BMSR will issue a temporary permit to enable the vessel to reach the port or undergo repairs.
7.3 The BMSR shall also be advised when the LRIT equipment has been repaired so that it can be re-integrated into the Barbados LRIT Data Centre. Note that a new CTR may be required.
7.4 The Recognised ASP routinely monitors all LRIT transmissions. When the LRIT equipment on a vessel is not reporting correctly, the BMSR or its Recognised ASP will contact the company to request an investigation into the reasons. In some cases, a service engineer’s visit or replacement of the LRIT equipment may be required. A new CTR may also be necessary.
7.5 Persistent failure of the company to rectify a situation where the LRIT equipment is not reporting correctly, after having been advised by the BMSR or its Recognised ASP, may be regarded as an ISM non-conformity and may lead to additional ISM audits.
8. Suspension of transmission of LRIT information
8.1 The Master or CSO shall notify the BMSR in writing at registry@barbadosmaritime.com of the following circumstances that may warrant the LRIT equipment being switched off and reporting suspended:
.1 The vessel is undergoing repairs, modifications or conversions in a dry-dock/repair yard;
.2 The vessel is in port or is laid up for a period exceeding 7 days;
.3 Circumstances where the vessel is without electrical power for longer than 12 hours.
8.2 In the above cases, the notification to the BMSR shall include the time that the equipment was or will be switched off and reporting suspended. Reporting will be automatically unsuspended at the Barbados LRIT Data Centre after the period specified in the initial notification, unless the BMSR is advised otherwise.
8.3 The notification and subsequent agreement by the BMSR shall be recorded in the vessel’s Official Log Book.
8.4 The BMSR shall be advised when the LRIT equipment is switched on, so that it can be re-integrated into the Barbados LRIT Data Centre.
9. Change of flag and vessels being taken permanently out of service
9.1 Where a vessel is to be transferred from the Barbados flag or permanently taken out of service, the company shall notify the BMSR and settle all outstanding and pending matters to enable the timely deletion of the LRIT shipborne equipment from the Barbados LRIT Data Centre.
9.2 As a vessel has to be integrated into the Barbados LRIT Data Centre in order to transmit the required LRIT information, companies should note that the integration/decommissioning of LRIT shipborne equipment is critical to ensuring that affected vessels are not delayed for failing to transmit LRIT information and/or transmitting incorrect information.
Revision No | Description Of Revision |
1.0 | First Issue – Revoke Information Bulletins 160 and 252 |
1.1 | Sec. 5.1 Change of name from “Fulcrum Maritime Systems Ltd” to “CLS UK”; Sec. 5.2.1&5.2.2 change of name and hyperlink; |
Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.
1. Purpose
1.1 This Marine Circular is issued by the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR) to address registration of vessels subject to sanctions imposed by international community and bilateral partners with respect to the reported operation of a “dark fleet” or “shadow fleet” in the international maritime sector.
1.2 The Government of Barbados being a Member State of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has a
duty to uphold maritime safety, security and marine environmental protection standards of the IMO, and
to this end, is undertaking administrative and legislative measures to promote actions to prevent illegal operations
in the maritime sector by the “dark fleet” or “shadow fleet”, to implement IMO Resolution A.1192(33) Adopted on 6 December, 2023 – Urging Member States and All Relevant Stakeholders to Promote Actions to Prevent Illegal Operations in the Maritime Sector by the “Dark Fleet” or “Shadow Fleet”.
2. Application
2.1 This Marine Circular applies to any vessel that is intended to register with the BMSR or that is already registered with the BMSR.
3. Background
. 3.1 The BMSR has been instructed by the Government of Barbados not to register any vessel linked to sanctions imposed in respect of paragraphs 1.1 and 1.2 above.
3.2 When a registration request is sent to the BMSR, the BMSR will check for any sanctions against the vessel and will proceed with registration only after verifying that the vessel is not subject to the sanctions mentioned above.
3.3 For a vessel that becomes sanctioned while registered under the Barbados flag, the BMSR will first exercise due diligence to verify that the registered vessel is indeed sanctioned, and once confirmed to be a sanctioned vessel, remove the said vessel from the Register.
3.4 From the effective date of this Marine Circular, an administrative penalty of 25,000 USD (50,000 BBD) will be imposed on any Barbados-registered vessel that is sanctioned.
3.5 The administrative penalty specified at 3.4 shall be paid during the vessel’s de-registration process.
4. Recommendations
4.1 Shipowners and managers wishing to register a vessel with the BMSR must ensure that the vessel is not subject to the sanctions mentioned above.
4.2 Shipowners and managers of vessels that risk being subject to the mentioned sanctions are strongly recommended to deregister the vessel from BMSR at the earliest to avoid the administrative penalty.
4.3 If a vessel is de-registered due to the sanctions above, the BMSR will not release the deletion certificate or the ceased CSR until the administrative penalty and BMSR fees are paid in full.
5. Validity
5.1 The validity of this circular is until withdrawn or superseded.
For any inquiries or clarifications regarding this marine circular, please contact:
ops@barbadosmaritime.com
Operations Department
Barbados Maritime Ship Registry
Our CEO/Principal Registrar Giovanni Ciniglio and Technical Manager Gerasimos Kypriotis presented BMSR to the invited guests including a Q & A session.
1. Purpose
1.1 This Marine Circular is issued by the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry to address:
i) The new regulations on sulphur content of fuel oils used on board in the Mediterranean Sea Emission Control Area for Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter, from 1 May 2025; and
ii) The discharge requirements of regulations 15.3, 15.5 and 34.3 to 34.5 of MARPOL Annex I in respect to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden Special Areas, in force from 1 January 2025, in accordance with the requirements set out in regulation 38.8.1 of MARPOL Annex I.
iii) The discharge requirements of Regulation 6 of MARPOL Annex V with respect to the Red Sea Special Area in accordance with Regulation 8.2 of MARPOL Annex V, in force from 1 January 2025.
2. Application
2.1 This Marine Circular shall be read in conjunction with:
i) MEPC resolution MEPC.361(79) amending MARPOL Annex VI, Regulation 14
ii) BMSR Bulletin 027 – MARPOL Annex VI Rev.1.4
iii) Resolution MEPC.381(80)
iv) Resolution MEPC.382(80)
3. Technical Requirements
3.1 From 1 May 2025, all Barbadian vessels subject to MARPOL Annex VI and operating in the Mediterranean Sea are, in principle, required to use on board fuel oils with a sulphur content of maximum 0.10 % m/m in accordance with MARPOL Annex VI regulation 14, or use alternative emission reduction and control technologies to comply with the emission standard.
3.2 For all Barbadian vessels 400 gross tonnage and above, after 1 January 2025, any discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixtures shall be prohibited within the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Special Areas, except when all of the following conditions are satisfied:
i) The ship is proceeding en-route;
ii) The oily mixture is processed through an oil filtering equipment meeting the requirements of regulation 14.7 of Annex I;
iii) The oil content of the effluent without dilution does not exceed 15 parts per million;
iv) The oily mixture does not originate from cargo pump room bilges on oil tankers; and
v) The oily mixture, in case of oil tankers, is not mixed with oil cargo residues.
3.3 For Barbadian Oil tankers, after 1 January 2025, any discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixtures from the cargo area of an oil tanker shall be prohibited while in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Special Areas. This requirement shall not apply to the discharge of clean or segregated ballast.
3.4 For all Barbadian vessels, after 1 January 2025, discharge of garbage into the sea within the Red Sea Special Area shall only be permitted while the ship is en-route and as prescribed by Regulation 6 (Discharge of garbage within special areas) of MARPOL Annex V.
3.5 The boundaries of the above Sulphur Emission Control Area and Special Areas are as set forth in the relevant MARPOL Appendices.
4. Recommendations
4.1 All shipowners, managers, vessel operators and masters of all relevant Barbadian vessels are urged to ensure strict compliance with the new additional MARPOL regulations as per this Marine Circular.
5. Validity
The validity of this circular is until withdrawn or superseded.
For any inquiries or clarifications for this marine circular, please contact: ops@barbadosmaritime.com
1. Purpose
1.1 The Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR) issued this marine circular to provide instructions for bottom surveys of cargo vessels registered with the BMSR and the interval between bottom surveys.
2. Application
2.1 These instructions apply to all cargo vessels registered with the BMSR.
3. Technical Requirements
3.1 For cargo ships, as per SOLAS I/10(a)(iv) and Survey guidelines under the harmonised system of survey and certification (HSSC), 2023 (resolution A.A.1186(33)) Sec. 4.6, a minimum of two inspections of the outside of the ship’s bottom during the five-year period of validity of the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate or the Cargo Ship Safety Certificate are required.
3.2 Inspections of the outside of the vessel’s bottom should normally be carried out with the vessel in dry dock. However, consideration may be given to alternate inspections being carried out with the vessel afloat (In water Survey IWS).
3.3 Conditions for In Water Survey (IWS):
i) For vessels of less than 15 years of age, one bottom survey can be carried out afloat (IWS).
ii) For vessels of 15 years of age and above, one bottom survey can be carried out afloat (IWS), upon concurrence from the classification society that there are no structural concerns.
3.4 Both bottom surveys shall be carried out with the ship in dry dock:
i) For bulk carriers and oil tankers of less than 15 years of age but in an enhanced survey Program (ESP);
ii) For bulk carriers and oil tankers of 15 years of age or above;
iii) For any type of vessel of 20 years of age.
3.5 In all cases, the interval between any two such inspections shall not exceed 36 months.
3.6 In ‘Exceptional circumstances’ such as: unavailability of dry-docking facilities; unavailability of repair facilities; unavailability of essential materials, equipment, or spare parts; or delays incurred by action taken to avoid severe weather conditions, the BMSR may allow extension for the bottom survey to be carried out later than 36 months from the previous one.
3.7 The request for any extension of the bottom survey due to the ‘Exceptional circumstances’ mentioned above shall come through the Recognised Organisation (RO), which is responsible for issuing the relevant certificates for the vessel. The RO shall assess the case and provide the BMSR with their concurrence, reasons and justification, and any supporting documentation. The BMSR will evaluate the request on a case-by-case basis and may issue a temporary permission with a validity of a maximum of 3 months.
3.8 All requests for temporary permissions for extensions of bottom surveys shall be sent to ops@barbadosmaritime.com
4. Recommendations
4.1 The justification for the extension of bottom surveys must be on a non-commercial basis. Similarly, the extension is not to be tied to a matter of convenience, except where an extension is proposed to further a harmonisation of surveys. There must be exceptional circumstances for not arranging the docking before the due date, and the extension is only to be granted in cases where it is proper and reasonable to do so. The principal consideration for granting an extension to a docking is the unavailability of suitable docking facilities, as per IACS PR1C and MSC-MEPC.5/Circ.1
4.2 For extensions to the dry docking due to unavailability of docks for up to three months, the following conditions are appropriate:
i) Evidence that managers have attempted to fix drydocking (3 locations).
ii) Evidence that a firm drydocking date and location have been made.
iii) Statement from the Master that no damage to underwater parts has occurred since the last bottom survey.
iv) Any Class requirements are met in full, and any conditions of class are reviewed.
4.3 In addition, where the extension brings the period since the previous bottom survey (either in drydock or in water survey) to over 36 months, an underwater examination is required. A one-month grace period may be given where the in-water survey cannot be undertaken due to, e.g. poor visibility.
5. Validity
The validity of this circular is until withdrawn or superseded.
For any inquiries or clarifications for this marine circular, please contact:
Notice to: All Appointed Nautical Inspectors (ANI) of the BMSR
1. Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this marine circular is to outline each type of inspection carried out by Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR) Appointed Nautical Inspectors (ANI) and the requirements for the conduct of the inspections, the Certificates of Inspection, and reports to be produced.
1.2 This procedure sets out the measures for Flag State Inspections as required under sections 1057 and 1058 of the Barbados Merchant Shipping Act, 2024 and Articles 94 and 217 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
2. Application
2.1 This Marine Circular shall be read in conjunction with the Bulletin 004 – Flag State Inspections and emphasis is given to topics not already covered by the above Bulletin, and also to provide additional guidance.
3. Background
3.1 The types of inspections normally conducted by the BMSR are:
i) Pre-Registration Inspection
ii) Initial Inspection
iii) Annual Safety Inspection
iv) Detention Follow-up Inspection
v) Additional Safety Inspection
3.2 The Pre-Registration Inspection aims to assess the physical condition of the vessel, and the safety and pollution prevention standards of the vessel. The Pre-Registration inspection is intended only to assess the physical condition of the vessel and not to assess compliance with Barbados requirements, and availability of Publications, documents, etc, on board. The documentation and compliance with Barbados’ requirements will be verified in the following inspection, i.e. Initial inspection.
3.3 The Initial Inspections aim to assess:
i) the physical condition of the vessel;
ii) the safety and pollution prevention standards of the vessel;
iii) the compliance with Barbados requirements (Documents, Publications, Manning, Accident reporting, etc.);
iv) the competence of the crew;
v) the marking of the vessel.
3.4 The Annual Safety Inspections aim to assess:
i) the physical condition of the vessel;
ii) the compliance with Barbados requirements (Documents, Publications, Manning, Accident reporting, etc.);
iii) the competence of the crew;
iv) the maintenance of the vessel.
3.5 The Detention Follow-up Inspections are to be carried out as per a routine Annual Safety Inspection. Still, the ANI shall also assess the correct rectification of the PSC deficiencies raised at the PSC detention and the implementation of preventive measures.
3.6 The Additional Safety Inspections are to be carried out as per a routine Annual Safety Inspection. Still, the ANI shall also assess any eventual additional items as instructed by the BMSR upon assignment to the inspection.
3.7 The Initial inspection is required to be completed before the vessel is permanently registered with BMSR. The ANI must verify, sign and stamp the Carving and Marking Note which will be made available on the vessel, and send to ops@barbadosmaritime.com along with the Inspection Reports.
3.8 General Guidance for Conduct of Inspections:
a.Inspections are organised and arranged by the managers of the vessel or Regional Registrars directly with the ANI, as listed in the https://barbadosmaritime.org/list-of-appointed-nautical-inspectors/. All costs are agreed directly between the owners/managers and the ANI, and the payment is made directly to the ANI.
b.The ANI shall then approach the BMSR by email to ops@barbadosmaritime.com, along with the email confirmation of his/her appointment from the owners/managers, and it is not required to include any reference to costs. The BMSR shall then issue a unique authorisation code generated from our system and will give any specific instructions including the validity of the Certificate of Inspection (COI) in the authorisation message.
c.Once the authorisation is given, the ANI is expected to carry out the inspection in due time, and exemption is only permitted in cases of emergency due to personal illness, adverse weather conditions or change of vessel’s schedule. The ANI shall promptly inform the BMSR of any such instance.
d.The following documents must be submitted to the BMSR, as found in https://barbadosmaritime.org/inspections/inspection-templates/:
1.PPO01-F01 Flag State Inspection Checklist
2.PPO01-F02 Inspection Photos (the photos must be properly attached in the appropriate spaces provided in the form)
3.Certificate of Inspection (original must be given to the master to be displayed onboard)
e.ANI shall ensure that the forms and the template used for the inspection are the latest revisions found on our website. Obsolete forms must be discarded and never be used, as this will be noted as a non-conformity in our Quality audits.
f.Reports shall be submitted to the BMSR as soon as possible, but not later than 7 days after the inspection. The ANI must inform the BMSR if he/she expects any further delay in submitting the reports.
g.A COI is issued to the vessel’s Master on completion of the inspection, to be displayed in a prominent place on board. The validity of the COI will always be mentioned in the authorisation message, or as “not applicable” if it is not required. A COI is not issued for a pre-registration inspection.
h.Where a Major Deficiency is identified and cannot be rectified before completion of the inspection, the inspector:
i.Must immediately report the situation to the BMSR, via the emergency telephone number if necessary;
ii.Must not issue a Certificate of Inspection (CoI), as per PPO01-F03, unless instructed to do so by the BMSR;
iii.Where appropriate the BMSR may take the decision to Flag Detain the Vessel; and
iv.Further guidance on Major deficiencies may be found in IMO Res. A.1185(33).
i.As proof of inspection, the ANI must send photographs of him/her in at least two different locations on the vessel, and additionally a short video with him/her in the frame conducting a drill on board. Any photograph that appears suspicious or edited will be taken seriously, and the ANI will be promptly removed from service.
j.If a vessel is detained within 2 months of a Flag State Inspection, the performance of the concerned ANI who carried out the inspection will be evaluated. If there are clear grounds that the ANI had omitted recording any serious deficiency on purpose or by neglect, he/she may be suspended or dismissed from service as deemed appropriate.
k.All correspondence regarding inspections and ANIs shall be sent to ops@barbadosmaritime.com.
3.9 Appointments of ANIs are normally for a term of three years, which will be renewed upon evaluation of the performance of the ANI. Renewal notice will be given in due time to the ANI from the BMSR. If the ANI does not wish to continue, he/she must inform the BMSR via email.
3.10 Upon appointment, the ANI is issued an ID card and an official stamp, which are sent by post from the BMSR office. The ANI must use this stamp for any relevant official document issued on behalf of the BMSR, including the Certificate of Inspection.
3.11 All ANIs represent the BMSR and are expected to be professional in their conduct. ANIs are advised not to engage in any dispute or conflict with the master, crew, managers or other representatives of the vessel. If there is any dispute or if the ANI is not allowed to carry out the inspection in a professional manner, the ANI shall promptly inform the BMSR for further advice. We want our ANIs to be treated with respect and we also expect the ANIs to treat others the same way. Any case of bullying or harassment shall be promptly reported to the BMSR.
3.12 Access to the BMSR online system for ANIs for uploading inspections is a work in progress, and all ANIs will be duly informed when ready.
4. Recommendations
4.1 While it is always ideal and pleasing to have “NIL deficiencies” during any inspection, ANIs are advised to treat such remarks with caution. It is better to record deficiencies for the purpose of proper follow-up and rectification, to ensure the overall safety of the vessel, the safety of the crew on board, compliance with relevant regulations, and to avoid further problems in future Port State Control Inspections. The BMSR aims to have safe vessels compliant with all relevant international conventions and codes, and proper feedback from our ANIs is crucial to maintain the highest standards.
5. Validity
5.1 The validity of this circular is until withdrawn or superseded.
For any inquiries or clarifications for this marine circular, please contact:
Operations Department
Barbados Maritime Ship Registry
We are pleased to announce the issuance of Wreck Removal Certificates by BMSR. Update on The Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks and the important role of the Barbados Maritime Ship Registry (BMSR) in supporting global compliance.