The Bahamas Maritime Authority will conduct a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on bulk carriers registered under Bahamas flag. The CIC will take place at all Flag State Inspections conducted between 1 st August 2024, and 31st December 2024.
The BMA has raised concern due to significant increase in Port State Control (PSC) detentions of Bahamas flag bulk carriers over the last couple of years. The bulk carrier proportion of total detentions has risen from 31% in 2022 to 54% in 2023 and almost 58% in 2024 to date.
As part of the CIC, Inspectors during the Flag State Inspections will additionally verify the compliance with the items described in the checklist provided in Technical Alert 24- 08. The checklist covers critical inspection points, including compliance with loading program accuracy, cargo handling procedures, maintenance of hatch covers and safety equipment, and adherence to specific regulations such as SOLAS and IMSBC (International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes) Code requirements.