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Last update: 2026/06/02
Equipment for Bahamian-flagged vessels
The previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1257 (dated 21 February 2022) provided information related to marine equipment for Bahamian-flagged vessels (Marine Notice 90). This Technical Information revises the item 2. as below and supersedes the previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-1257. The term "marine equipment" with respect to Bahamian vessels refers to the following items: 1. Equipment certified by Recognized Organizations (ROs) authorized by the BMA, 2. Equipment certified under Directive 2014/90/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on marine equipment, or 3. Equipment certified by other States that are parties to SOLAS, provided that the approval is in accordance with Convention requirements. For further details,This Technical Information became null and void on 15 Jun 2022.
Marine Equipment for Bahamian-flagged vessels
The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has issued Marine Notice 90, which is a notification related to requirements for marine equipment that is required under relevant international conventions and associated codes to be type-approved by Flag State Administrations. According to the Notice, the "marine equipment" provided on board Bahamian ships is to be any of the followings: 1. Equipment certified by other Recognized Organizations (ROs) authorized by the BMA, 2. Equipment certified under Directive 2014/90/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on marine equipment by other ROs authorized by the BMA, or 3. Equipment certified by other States that are parties to SOLAS, provided that the approval is in accordance with Convention requirements.This Technical Information became null and void on 17 Mar 2023.
Special requirements for Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs) regarding Bahamas flagged vessels
The Bahamian Administration has issued the BMA Marine Notice 81 regarding emergency escape breathing device (EEBD), which supersedes their Information Bulletin No. 29 this time. This ClassNK Technical Information also supersedes our previous Technical Information No. TEC-1052 dated 29 October 2015. 1. Marine Notice 81 applies to all Bahamian ships and offshore units to which SOLAS applies. 2. Offshore units certified under the 1979, 1989 or 2009 Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU Code) shall be provided with EEBDs as if they were SOLAS certified. 3. SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 13.3.4 specifies the following minimum carriage requirement for EEBDs in accommodation spaces: (1) Cargo ships: 2 EEBDsEnhanced Monitoring Programme for Bahamian ships
BMA Information Bulletin No. 136 regarding the Enhanced Monitoring Programme (hereinafter mentioned as "EMP") published by the Bahamas Maritime Authority (hereinafter mentioned as "BMA") was announced in ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0871, dated 10 November 2011. BMA published Marine Notice 92 on 12 March 2021, and this notice supersedes BMA Information Bulletin No. 136. According to Marine Notice 92, any Bahamian ship which has been justifiably detained on more than one occasion in a 24-month period, either by PSC or the BMA, would automatically be placed on the EMP. Ships which have been placed on the EMP are subject to Bahamas special inspections within one (1) month of being placed on the programme, and at an interval of three (3) months thereThis Technical Information became null and void on 1 Dec 2021.
Special requirements for Emergency Escape Breathing Devices(EEBDs) regarding Bahamas flagged vessels
ith regard to the special requirements for emergency escape breathing device(EEBD) for Bahamas flagged vessels, it had been notified by the Technical Information No. TEC-0885 dated 20 December 2011. Since the Bahamian Administration has revised the special requirements for EEBD, the Technical Information is revised as described below. This Technical Information supersedes the previous ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0885 dated 20 December 2011. 1. This Technical Information applies to all Bahamian ships and offshore units to which SOLAS applies. 2. Offshore units certified under the 1979, 1989 or 2009 Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU Code) shall be provided with EEBDs as if they were SOLAS certifiedCarriage of radioactive substances on cargo ships flying Bahamas Flag
With reference to the carriage of radioactive substances (categorized as Class 7 cargoes under IMDG Code) on cargo ships flying Bahamas Flag, The Bahamian Administration has notified ClassNK about carriage of radioactive substances as follows: 1. Radioactive substances shall not be carried on board Bahamian ships. Exceptions may be made for radioactive substances in packaged form used in medical and public health applications, and exceptions may also be made where the radioactive substance is of a grade and quantity suitable for other civil use, such as non-destructive testing (refer to IMO Resolution A.984(24)). 2. The carriage of Class 7 radioactive substances in bulk is not permitted. Regarding the above item 2, individual schedule of the followApplication of the Resolution MSC.277(85) relating to clarification of the term "Bulk Carrier", and the instruction from the Bahamas Government on this matter
ClassNK has received an instruction from the Bahamas Government on the application of the resolution stating "MSC.277(85) is subject to Bahamas Government on case by case basis". In this connection, please be informed that the Bahamas Government's dealing on TEC-0765 which was issued on 3 February 2009 was deleted. For any questions about the above, please contact: NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK) External Affairs Division, Administration Center, Head Office Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan Tel.: +81-3-5226-2038 Fax: +81-3-5226-2024 E-mail: xad@classnk.or.jpSpecial requirements for means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders and spare cylinders regarding Bahamas flagged vessels
With regard to the additional requirements for relevant equipment of fire-fighter's outfit, it has been notified by the Technical Information (No.: TEC-0990, Date: 24 June 2014) for existing ships (ships which are constructed (keel-laid) before 1 July 2014) and by Amendments to Part R of the RULES FOR THE SURVEY AND CONSTRUCTION OF STEEL SHIP on 26 February 2014 for new ships (ships which are constructed (keel-laid) on or after 1 July 2014). The Bahamian Administration has issued special requirements for means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders and spare cylinders as follows. 1. Bahamas Government strongly recommends that all ships carry an on board means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders. 2. For ships where an on board means of recThis Technical Information became null and void on 30 Mar 2021.
Survey on lifeboat on-load release mechanisms (Lifeboat Release and Retrieval Systems: LRRSs) for ships flying Bahamian flag
With regard to survey on LRRSs, it had been notified by the Technical Information (No.: TEC-0966, Date: 3 October 2013), and the Bahamian Government's instructions have been given, which is summarized as flows of actions for ships flying Bahamian flag in the Attachment 1. Ships flying Bahamian flag are required to follow the flows. In the Case 1 and Case 2 of the flows, a copy of evaluation report by the Recognized Organization (the Attachment 2) of the LRRS type registered to IMO GISIS is acceptable to us, and the copy is supplied by the lifeboat maker or the service provider. IMO GISIS is web page (http://gisis.imo.org) that evaluation results of LRRS types are registered to. For any questions about the above, please contact: NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAThis Technical Information became null and void on 29 Oct 2015.
Special requirements for emergency escape breathing device(EEBD) regarding Bahamas flagged vessels
The Bahamian Government has notified ClassNK of special requirements for emergency escape breathing device(EEBD) on board the Bahamas flagged vessels as follows. 1. SOLAS Chapter II-2 specifies the carriage requirement for EEBD in accommodation spaces as follows: (1) Cargo ships : Not less than two; (2) Passenger ships : Not less than two in each main vertical zone (3) Passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers : In addition to the number specified in (2) above, not less than 2 in each main vertical zone. 2. The number and location of EEBD to be provided in the machinery spaces is available in IMO Circular MSC/Circ.1081. 3. All ships shall carry spare EEBDs that shall be located in a control station. The number of spares carried on board shallThis Technical Information became null and void on 20 May 2021.
Enhanced Monitoring Programme for Bahamas-registered ships
The Bahamas Maritime Authority (hereinafter mentioned as "BMA") has notified ClassNK of BMA Information Bulletin No.136 "Enhanced Monitoring Programme" as per attached. According to the notification, any ship which has been justifiably detained on more than one occasion in a 24 month period, either by PSC or Flag State, will automatically be placed on the Enhanced Monitoring Programme. Ships which have been placed on the Enhanced Monitoring Programme are subject to Bahamas "special" inspections within one (1) month of being placed on the programme, and at three (3) month periods thereafter. Any ships remaining on the programme after twelve (12) months will be specially reviewed for continued registration in consultation with the Director of the BMA. In addThis Technical Information became null and void on 4 Jun 2021.
Maintenance, inspection and test of Fire-Protection Systems and Appliances on board the Bahamas-registered ships
The Bahamas Maritime Authority (hereinafter mentioned as "BMA") has informed ClassNK of BMA Information Bulletin No.29 "Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD)" and No. 97 Rev.1 "Fire Fighting Equipment", which are in reference to maintenance, inspection and test of Fire-Protection System and Appliances on board the Bahamas-registered ships. The essential points of the Guidelines are shown below. The previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0711 is now superseded. The requirements only are shown below. As necessary, please refer to the original text of the Guideline which is available on BMA Internet Homepage (http://www.bahamasmaritime.com). Main points of changes are as follows: 1. Fixed CO2 Fire-Extinguishing Systems - Hydrostatic testing of hSpecial Requirements of Panama Maritime Authority, Bahamas Maritime Authority and Marshall Islands Government in relation to Revisions of the ISM Code on 1 July 2010
Panama Maritime Authority, Bahamas Maritime Authority and Marshall Islands Government have issued Merchant Marine Circular MMC-213, BMA Information Bulletin No.23 (Revision no.03) and Marine Notice No.2-011-13 Rev.7/10 respectively in relation to revisions of the ISM Code on 1 July 2010. Both Administrations require comply with the following Flag State Special Requirements. (For details please refer to the attached documents) Panama Maritime Authority 1. "A Guide to Risk Assessment in Ship Operations" developed by IACS to be used. (3.1) 2. In regard to exceptional circumstances under which the interval may be extended, it is the company who approves such extension. Therefore, the company should establish the criteria for the extension in the managementThis Technical Information became null and void on 3 Sep 2013.
Periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear on cargo ships flying Bahamas Flag
Instructions from the several flag states regarding periodic servicing and maintenance of lifeboats, launching appliances and on-load release gear were informed by ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0693 dated 12 April 2007, TEC-0721 dated 26 December 2007 and TEC-0784 dated 10 September 2009. The Bahamas Maritime Authority has informed ClassNK of new instruction on this matter as follows: [Point of Instruction] - The Company* is responsible for assessing and selecting a suitable competent person, and appropriate procedures relating to this activity must be established within the Safety Management System. - The Company* should ensure that documentary evidence is available to third parties, to confirm that the competent person carrying out the serviApplication for Exemptions, Extensions and/or Equivalence to International Convention Requirements for Bahamian Flag Ships (Revision)
As previously advised by ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0564 dated 23 January 2004, an application for exemptions, extensions and/or equivalence to International Convention requirements for Bahamian flag ships is to be made to ClassNK for the first evaluation. Recently, Bahamas Maritime Authority has notified ClassNK of the BMA INFORMATION BULLETIN No.08 Revision 02 in order to remind this procedure. In case where the ship owner, manager or master requests any exemption, extension or equivalence except the matters dealt with by the Administration directly (e.g. Safe Manning Documents, Ship Radio Licenses and LRIT Conformance Test Report & associated matters) with necessary information as specified in the bulletin, please contact responsible DeparApplication of the Resolution MSC.277(85) relating to clarification of the term "Bulk Carrier" etc., and the instruction from the Bahamas Government on this
At IMO MSC85 held on 26 November 2008 to 5 December 2008, the Resolution MSC.277(85) “Clarification of the term “Bulk Carrier” and guidance for application of regulations in SOLAS to ships which occasionally carry dry cargoes in bulk and are not determined as bulk carriers in accordance with regulation XII/1.1 and chapter II-1” has been adopted. (Please refer to the attachment.) The main points of the Resolution are as follows. 1. Ship intending primarily to carry dry cargo in bulk are considered to be bulk carriers regardless of the ship’s transverse section figures. (refer to the item 1.3 in the attachment) 2. Dedicated ships carrying such specific cargoes as woodchips, cement, etc. are not considered to be bulk carriers subject to the means of loadCarriage of immersion suits for the additional liferaft on cargo ships flying Bahamas Flag
The Bahamas Government has notified of carriage of immersion suits for the stored position of the additional life raft required by SOLAS Reg.III/31.1.4 mentioned in SOLAS Reg.III/32.3.3 by Res.MSC216(82) for that flagged ships by BMA Information Bulletin No.76 issued on 9 July 2008. Regarding this, the interpretation are as follows. At least 2 sets of immersion suits are to be provided for the stored position of the additional liferaft*Note2) required by SOLAS Reg.III/31.1.4, in case if that position is regarded as the remotely located work and watch stations*Note1). Above requirements should be applied to all cargo ships regardless of date of construction. And the compliance with this regulation is confirmed at the next annual survey after 15 OctThis Technical Information became null and void on 21 Sep 2011.
Inspection, Testing and Survey Requirements of Fixed Gas Installations, Portable Fire Extinguishers and Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs) onboard Bahamian Flagged Vessels
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has notified ClassNK of BMA Information Bulletin No.97 and No.29 regarding the inspection, testing and survey requirements of fixed gas installations, portable fire extinguishers and emergency escape breathing apparatus (EEBDs) as follows. This ClassNK Technical Information supersedes the ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0410 dated 10 July 2001 and No.TEC-0477 dated 25 August 2002. 1. Fixed Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Halon Gas Installations (1) General Inspection and Maintenance (i) A visual inspection of all cylinders forming part of affixed fire extinguishing installation shall be carried out annually by a competent person. The inspection shall include a means of determining if any leakage has occurred and verificatServicing Intervals of Life-saving Appliances on board the Bahamas flagged vessels
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has notified ClassNK of the instruction regarding servicing intervals of life-saving appliances on board the Bahamas flagged vessels by BMA INFORMATION BULLETIN No.98. According to Chapter III of SOLAS, inflatable liferafts, inflatable lifejackets, marine evacuation systems, inflated rescue boats and hydrostatic release units shall be serviced at intervals not exceeding 12 months. If the vessel trades to ports where there are no approved service stations, however, servicing intervals may be extended up to 17 months. In case where the life-saving appliances are serviced in line with the window (within 3 months before or after each anniversary) of the relevant annual or periodical SE surveys for HSSC vessels in accordance wThis Technical Information became null and void on 15 Nov 2016.
Application for Extension of the service period of Inflatable Liferaft and/or Fire Fighting Equipment for Panama Flag Ships (Responsible person and e-mail address changed.)
Procedure of application for extension of the period of the periodical servicing of inflatable liferaft and/or fire fighting equipment was advised by ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0646 dated 27 December 2005. However, the responsible person has been changed as follows. Prior to contact for such extension, please confirm the responsible person at website of the Panama Maritime Authority (http://www.segumar.com/). This ClassNK Technical Information supersedes the previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0646. 1. Application including the following information (1) Name of Ship (2) Call Sign (3) IMO No. (4) Name of Class Society which is issuing SE Certificate and Fax No. (5) Name of Owner and Fax No. (6) Equipment Manufacturer (7) Number anTesting of Air Bottles for Lifeboats with Self-Contained Air Support System for Bahamanian Ships
Bahamas Maritime Authority has notified ClassNK of the following instructions on the testing of air bottles for lifeboats with self-contained air support system: Air bottles for lifeboats with self-contained air support system are to be subjected to hydrostatic test at the intervals not exceeding five years. For any questions about the above, please contact: NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK) Survey Department, Administration Center, Head Office Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan Tel.: +81-3-5226-2027 Fax: +81-3-5226-2029 E-mail: svd@classnk.or.jpThis Technical Information became null and void on 20 Dec 2011.
Special requirements for emergency escape breathing device regarding Bahamas flagged vessels
The Bahamian Government have notified ClassNK of special requirements for emergency escape breathing device on board the Bahamas flagged vessels as follows. 1. The number of spare EEBDs carried onboard cargo ships shall be 50% of the total required but need not be more than four (4). 2. In case where the respiratory equipments required by IGC, IBC and BCH Code are installed on board, the carriage of EEBD in accommodation space may be exempted on condition that an authorization of such exemption is granted by the Administration. 3. The number of spare EEBDs carried onboard passenger ships shall be 100% of the total number carried in one main vertical zone. For any questions about the above, please contact: NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK) MaterialIn-water survey of Bahamian passenger ships
In relation to the subject, the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has issued a revision notice of their regulation for inspection of the outside of ship's bottom as attached. For the inspection of bottom, which is annually required at renewal survey for passenger ships in Chapter I, Pat B Regulation 7 of the SOLAS 74, this revision has specified the extent of application of in-water survey as follows. 1. The inspection of the outside of the ship's bottom may be carried out in dry-dock twice in every five year period and other annual inspections of the ship's bottom may be carried out in-water provided that the interval between bottom inspections in dry-dock does not exceed 36 months. 2. As an exception for ships less than 15 years of age, application mayThis Technical Information became null and void on 5 Nov 2018.