The Bahamas Maritime Authority Celebrates 30 Years of Excellence

This year marks a significant milestone for The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) as it proudly celebrates 30 years of maritime excellence. Since its establishment in 1995, The BMA has remained steadfast in its commitment to progress, honour, and service—values that continue to inspire confidence and trust among shipowners worldwide.

From its early years, The BMA has played a pivotal role on the global maritime stage. By 1998, The Bahamas had become the world’s third-largest fleet, and just a year later, it secured a seat on the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a position it has continuously held. Today The Bahamas registry is the world’s 4^th largest flag by the commercial value of fleet.

In 2010, The BMA chaired its first flag state implementation subcommittee at the IMO, reinforcing its leadership in maritime governance. The BMA has consistently championed collaboration within the industry and actively engages with key organisations such as the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) amongst others.

The health & wellbeing of seafarers is a strategic objective shared by all in the industry and The BMA is honoured to have represented The Bahamas over the years at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) where we were one of eight countries participating in the joint ILO/IMO tripartite meeting relating to seafarers.

Recognising the benefits of working in partnership, The Bahamas inaugurated the Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA) in 1997 to represent the interests of its registry. To this day, the BSA remains a strong and influential voice on critical industry matters.

A testament to its operational excellence, The Bahamas has consistently appeared on the Paris and Tokyo MOU Whitelists, often ranking as the highest-placed non-European Flag. In 2004, the BMA was among the first digitalised registries with the launch of its online registration system, BORIS. Over the years, continuous enhancements have ensured The Bahamas remains one of the most technologically advanced maritime registries. The introduction of an online seafarer certification system and a groundbreaking online reporting portal for managers and owners further demonstrate The BMA’s commitment to innovation and efficiency. Quality, safety, environment sustainability and human element are at the core of The BMA’s customer service delivery.  Working closely with its Recognised Organisations, The BMA ensures that mutually agreed standards keep its fleet at optimal quality.  By opening regional offices in key areas around the world, The BMA enhances its global representation and is able to provide local support on the ground in North America, Europe and Asia, creating a more secure operating environment for clients.

Beyond regulatory leadership, The BMA actively supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), through its work with the IMO. Gender equality (SDG 5) is also a key focus, exemplified by the success of the Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps (BMCC). Since its inception in 2003, the BMCC has seen approximately 6,000 young Bahamians graduate from the scheme, many of whom have gone on to pursue maritime careers. Today nearly 50% of students are female—an inspiring step toward greater gender diversity in the industry and national capacity building.

BMA Managing Director and CEO, Captain Dwain Hutchinson, said, “I would like to express my appreciation of the dedicated and competent team at The BMA and the contribution of our Flag State Inspectors, Recognised Organisations and providers. Through our collaborations we ensure that the BMA’s clients receive the highest levels of service possible. We remain grateful to the successive BMA Boards of Directors whose strategic oversight and sound corporate governance have played a vital role in positioning The BMA as a forward-thinking and respected maritime administration.

“Of equal importance, we would also like to thank the many owners and their shipboard teams who have joined us on our journey, entrusting their vessels to us. We are honoured to have served you over the past 30 years.”

He continued, “As The BMA looks to the future, we remain committed to strengthening regional representation through the expansion of our global presence. Online capabilities will be enhanced to harness the potential that exists within the new technologies.  We are also modernising our legal framework to keep pace with evolving market dynamics and the changing needs of our clients. Meanwhile we will continue to actively engage as a proactive leader at regulatory level, both regionally and internationally, helping to shape the maritime industry as it heads into the uncharted waters of novel fuels.”

BMA Chairman, Jacqueline M. Simmons also expressed her appreciation for the unwavering support from The Bahamas Government, “We have been fortunate to receive consistent backing from the government as we have worked to support and implement its maritime agenda and bolster the growth of the sector. Over the years, Ministers with responsibility for the BMA have played a pivotal role in our success, offering invaluable guidance and counsel.”

With a legacy built on excellence, innovation, and trust, The Bahamas Maritime Authority remains dedicated to sustainable growth while upholding the values that have defined its success over the past three decades.