The BMA Announces Record Port State Control Performance

The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) is pleased to announce that throughout the entire year of 2025, The Bahamas fleet recorded just one detention in the United States of America (USA). This represents the joint lowest detention rate ever achieved by The Bahamas flag in the USA and is the second-best annual Port State Control (PSC) performance on record for The Bahamas (marginally behind 2018).

The BMA extends its sincere thanks to its clients and to the shipboard crew whose professionalism and commitment to operational excellence made this achievement possible.

This exceptional result is highly significant, as it reduces the Authority’s three-year rolling USA detention average for 2023–2025 to approximately 0.56%, well below the 1.0% threshold set by the United States Coast Guard.

As stated in Technical Alert TA26-01: “As a result, the 3-year rolling average for 2023-2025 reduced to ≈ 0.56%. Accordingly, the Bahamas expects to regain Qualship 21 status for 2026-27.”

On a worldwide basis, the Bahamian fleet recorded 37 detentions from approximately 2,863 PSC inspections in 2025, resulting in an overall global detention ratio of 1.29%.

The BMA places great importance on PSC inspections not only in the USA but globally and, in collaboration with our recognised Class and approved Nautical Inspectors, provides support to vessels as they approach port and, if needed, whilst in port. Positive PSC inspections and performance by individual vessels collectively contribute to securing QUALSHIP 21 status in the USA and maintaining White List status under the Paris and Tokyo MoUs, from which the entire fleet benefits.

The Authority continues to closely monitor PSC inspections worldwide and provides a dedicated PSC checklist for specific regions. Clients are encouraged to refer to Technical Alert 26-01 and Marine Notice 93 for full details of the support available, and the requirements placed on vessels by the BMA. Once again, the BMA thanks its clients, and shipboard crew for their continued dedication, and acknowledges the valuable support of the BMA Inspections and Surveys team in preparing vessels for port visits and equally the broader BMA team, Recognised Class Societies and Nautical Inspectors for their support as required during port stays.