Cwaves contribute to Bahamas Maritime inspectors meeting

The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) held a two-days Inspectors meeting, on 1^st and 2^nd November 2016 at The Metropolitan (Chandris) Hotel, Athens, Greece.

Two of Cwaves’ BMA Approved inspectors, Capt. Nigel James and Capt. Karolina Cirjak attended the meeting and reported on the main topics discussed.

The meeting was aimed at discussing the topics such as seafarers training and manning overview, attendance after Port State Control detention, Recognized organization work on board vessels, the inspector’s role in monitoring this during inspection and the inspector’s role when attending a new registration on behalf of the BMA Registrar, to name a few.

Special reference was made to the Maritime Labour Convention and STCW certification and guidance to inspectors on what to pay particular attention to during inspections.

Capt. Nigel James pointed out several issues which he encountered during inspections on board related to work/rest hours and certification.

A part of the meeting was dedicated to the procedures of contacting BMA for Major deficiencies or detention of a ship including attendance to a detained vessel; Inspectors’ operating areas and powers.

A hot topic of Ballast Water Management and the cost to Shipowners for retrofitting was discussed and the need to assist Shipowners to comply with the new Convention recognized.

Under the Convention, all ships in international traffic are required to manage their ballast water and sediments to a certain standard, according to a ship-specific ballast water management plan. Hence, most ships will need to install an on-board ballast water treatment system. The Convention will enter into force on 8^th September, 2017.

Capt. Karolina Cirjak is currently involved in the research on the new systems on the market to be installed on board ships.

Cwaves’ presence at the meeting underlines our commitment to enhancing the safety of shipping.