BMA Strengthens Regional Engagement at Caribbean Maritime Meetings

The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) recently participated in two key regional forums focused on improving maritime safety, environment protection, collaboration and development across the Caribbean: the 30th Session of the Caribbean Port State Control Committee (CPSCC30) and the Caribbean 4th Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations (DIHMAR 4) Meeting. These events were held in St. Lucia, drawing representatives from across the region, as well as observer organisations and international stakeholders. 

The BMA was represented by Captain Dwain Hutchinson, Managing Director & CEO, Captain Frank McNulty, Technical & Compliance Officer and Kenneth Carey, Technical & Compliance Officer. The BMA delegation was complemented by the participation of Senior Commander Berne Wright, Port Controller, which underscores The Bahamas’ commitment to maritime leadership not only as a flag state but equally as a port and coastal state. Active regional participation is vital to ensuring The Bahamas remains aligned with international best practices, regulates international requirements and is well-positioned to help shape policy discussions in the Caribbean and beyond. 

At the CPSCC30 meeting, The Bahamas continued its longstanding leadership role by contributing actively to technical discussions and chairing the Finance and Administrative Working Group. Seventeen member states attended, alongside observers from six other Port State Control (PSC) regimes. The primary aim of the Committee is to eliminate substandard shipping from Caribbean waters by enforcing PSC inspections under the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding (CMoU). The BMA’s involvement in both the Technical Standing Working Group and broader committee discussions reflects its firm commitment to raising inspection standards and promoting safety and environmental complaisance for ships operating in Caribbean regional waters. 

In parallel, the DIHMAR4 meeting brought together Directors and Heads of Maritime Administrations to share the latest updates from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), review measures to strengthen regional enhance capacity building, and promote compliance with international maritime conventions and standards. 

DIHMAR also served as a platform to discuss key maritime such digitalisation, decarbonisation, maritime security and regulatory frameworks. Through open dialogue and technical exchange, the meeting advanced its goals of Strengthening regional Cooperation and Information Sharing; Enhancing Capacity Building and Training; Promoting Environmental Protection and Gender Equality between maritime authorities, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders. 

Participation in these events reinforces The Bahamas’ commitment to maintaining the highest standards in maritime administration while championing a harmonised, forward-looking approach to regional maritime development.