Meetings held in the United States with the Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency

The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) and Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) teams were pleased to hold a meeting with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to discuss a range of issues relating to the Authority’s clients.

The USCG delegation was headed by Rear Admiral Wayne R Arguin Jr, Assistant Commandant for Prevention Policy, and Jeffrey G. Lantz, Director, Commercial Regulations and Standards. Rear Admiral Arguin gave an update on the progress made on the salvage and recovery operations relating to the DALI incident in Baltimore.  He also responded to queries raised by the BSA on behalf of some of their owners.

Lantz brought up green issues and there was agreement between the USCG and The BMA regarding matters related to Green House Gas reduction with both sides concurring that future co-operation at the IMO level would be beneficial whenever appropriate.

Finally, there were discussions around Qualship 21 which is currently undergoing review; The Bahamas continues to work closely with its clients, partners and the USCG team to ensure we are reinstated at the earliest opportunity.

Stephen Keenan, Head of Inspections and Surveys at The BMA, said, “We very much appreciate the cooperation and engagement we receive from the USCG and are particularly grateful for the open approach it takes when dealing with Port State Inspections.”

The meeting with the Environmental Protection Agency held later the same day included a development update on the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA).  Regulations for the act should be completed by September 2024 but it will take a further two years for the USCG to do their part so it is not expected that VIDA will come into force until 2026 at the earliest.

Further meetings with the EPA are expected to take place over the coming months and The BMA will ensure that clients are kept abreast of developments.