The Bahamas joins the ‘Ask the Flag’ Yacht panel during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 2023.

The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) was proud to take part in the US Superyacht Association panel entitled ‘Ask the Flag’ which was attended by approximately 75 owners, managers and representatives of superyachts who were looking for answers to some of the challenges that they face in their sector.

Representing The Bahamas was Larez Pinder, The BMA’s Technical Officer based in Nassau.

The panellists, which included representatives from other Registries, answered wide ranging questions including certification (STCW or other possible qualifications) for yacht crew members. (Policy around the recognition of certification for officers from different regions varies and clarity on the procedure of becoming recognised by a flag state is actually addressed in BMA Marine Notice MN013). Other subjects discussed included chartering allowances in specific regions, medical standards and expectations, and tender registration ( what sizes would be acceptable and specific requirements if the vessel was a tow tender).  The audience also had the opportunity to express their concerns about the lack of standards for smaller private yachts.

It was a lively debate and the audience appreciated the opportunity to speak directly to representatives of a number of Flags.

Pictured left to right are:

Moderator Michael Reardon, Reardon Yacht Consulting
Pete Southgate, CEng FRINA, LLB(Hons), Cayman Islands Shipping Registry
Peter Chesla, International Registries, Inc. – The Marshall Islands Registry
Mark Farrugia, Transport Malta
Dylan Vloebergh-Lair, French International Register
Larez Pinder, Bahamas Maritime Authority
Laura Knoll, Alley, Maass, Rogers & Lindsay, P.A.
Seymour Harley, Maritime Authority of Jamaica