The Bahamas Maritime Authority has issued technical Alert to draw all parties’ attention to the requirements needed in order to apply for a Bahamas Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) as an Able Seafarer, in accordance with The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (STCW).
The Bahamas accepts Able Seafarer CoP issued by any STCW party and there is no requirement for a Bahamas Flag State Endorsement of an Able Seafarer CoP.
The BMA has further received a number of queries in relation to Able Seafarer certification including concerns expressed on delays in receiving such certification from some Administrations for existing seafarers, who are sailing or intending to sail as Able Seafarers onboard Bahamian ships.
The BMA is also aware that there are some seafarers who hold Able Seafarer certification issued in accordance with the standards of International Labour Organisation Convention no. 74 (ILO 74).
The BMA is mindful that on some ships, the Minimum Safe Manning Document may require the carriage of Able Seafarer certified in accordance with the requirements and delays in certification may affect the employment of seafarers and the operation of Bahamian ships.
Accordingly, the BMA can confirm that Companies employing seafarers who are serving or intending to serve onboard Bahamian ships can apply for a Bahamas STCW Able Seafarer CoP.
Further details may be found by reading the bulletin below
Source: BMA
