Page 2 - The flag March 2016

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGEThe Bahamas Maritime Authority congratulates the Bahamas’ ships, The World for breaking the record for furthest south sailed, and Crystal Serenity on achieving its 32-day northwest passage.Sailing under the Bahamian flag are some 121 cruise ships, with 18 on the order books out to 2022 – 139 cruise ships, totalling over 9.7 million gross tons; with maximum persons’ numbers exceeding 225,000.The BMA prides itself on the quality of its service, timely responses, and support provided to its clients. Just as importantly, the BMA continues to attend and actively participate in meetings at the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) and to co-sponsor industry papers. Further, The Bahamas looks forward to your support in its bid for re-election to the prestigious IMO Council in Category C, later this year for the 2018/19 biennium.With the co-sponsoring of Seatrade Cruise Global 2017 Business on the beach this year with the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, we continue to highlight the benefits of the Bahamas flag to existing and potential clients.It was with delight that we saw WISTA (Women’sInternational Shipping and Trading Association) open their Bahamas chapter at the end of the 2016.I am also pleased to inform that two (2) manning agencies in The Bahamas were incorporated last year and, this year, the Convention of Private International Law of 1928, also known as the Bustamante Code enteredinto force for The Bahamas.I would like to thank the various contributors to this edition, which helps ensure that The Flag brings you up-to-date industry news.u COMMODOREDAVYF.ROLLE DIRECTORNAUTICAL INSPECTORS’ MEETING – ATHENS, GREECEIn October 2016 a meeting of Authorized Nautical Inspectors, attended by over 30 persons mainly from European and the Middle East countries, took place in Athens. The participation of key personnel from the BMA London and the Piraeus of ces, provideda very welcome and useful brie ng on latest requirements and / or instructions, and in particular to an exchange of ideas, clari cations on numerous issues, and also a most satisfactory person to person contact between the participants.2WWW.BAHAMASMARITIME.COM