The Bahamas has always registered Yachts but previously within the concept of the Ship Registry. This growing sector of shipping now deserves its own separate space and structure. The Government of The Bahamas tasked the BMA to create a separate dedicated sector of its operation to cater for that fleet.
In late 2009 work commenced creating The Bahamas Yacht Code – BYC – which is to be the technical and operational structure for the registration and management of Large Commercial Yachts. This, and other measures, are in the final stages of creation.
At present the registration, survey and management of any yacht registered in The Bahamas continues to be guided by the provisions of Bulletin No 102 which applies the UK MCA LY2 Code and other measures. A copy of Bulletin No 102, the LY2 Code and its sister publication for vessels of less than 24 m Load Line Length, the UK MGN 280 are available through these links:
LY2 (MSN 1792) – UK MCA Large Commercial Yacht Code Ed 2 – 17 September 2007
MGN 280 – Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure Workboats and Pilot Boats
BMA Bulletin 102 – Technical requirements for the registration of yachts
BMA Bulletin 81 – The BMA Fees Schedule for all vessels, including Yachts
The Bahamas is committed, as with all of its International fleet, to maintaining high statutory standards. Yachts are and will be no different, although it is of course recognised that yachts are constructed and operated differently. Therefore, while equivalents to some IMO Convention standards and provisions may be considered, standards will be maintained to the levels expected of us by the rest of the Owners, Operators and Managers of The Bahamas fleet.
The Bahamas Yacht Registry of the Future
- The Bahamas Yacht Code, to be known as the BYC, will be the technical basis for registration of commercial yachts of between 24m load line length and 3,000 GT
- Declared Non-commercial yachts will be recommended to comply with those standards
- The BYC has a similar structure to LY2 except for a few notable European and UK references.
- A Black line version of the BYC will be available to show the differences
- Bulletin No 102 will be re-written to give operational guidance and the necessary procedures for every class of yacht.
- Minor amendments to the registration process will be made for yachts with the production of an amended fee structure and amended dedicated yacht registration application forms.
- The BMA will have a dedicated team of specialist Managers, Registrars and Surveyors to guide and assist Owners, Managers, Lawyers, Agents and Captains
- If you already have regular dealings with a particular Registrar then please call them and they will either commence the process or pass you to our dedicated yachts team
Alternatively please email us at yachts@bahamasmaritme. com or
Phone +44 20 7562 1300 and ask for "Yachts"