1. Ministry of The Environment
“Managing Maritime Affairs for Environmental Sustainability”
A presentation of The Maritime Affairs Committee
1st Environmental Partnership Forum
Sheraton Cable Beach Resort, New Providence, The Bahamas
Monday, 29th September 2008

2. Objectives
To define agencies responsible for the maritime management within Ministry of The Environment
Bahamas Maritime Authority
Port Department
October 2006

3. Objectives
To provide an overview of how sufficient and efficient management of maritime affairs contribute to:
Preventing pollution from ships
Safety of life at sea
Preventing damage of the marine environment
Security of ships and ports
October 2006

4. Objectives
To outline international and domestic standards for maritime management
To explain the Ministry’s strategy for improving maritime policy and services in The Bahamas
October 2006

5. Maritime Management Agencies
Bahamas Maritime Authority
Ship Registry of The Bahamas
Responsible to ensure that all Bahamian-registered ships and foreign ships visiting The Bahamas comply with International Conventions
October 2006

6. Maritime Management Agencies
Port Department
Port Authorities Act
Responsible for all ports in The Bahamas (excluding GBPA holdings and the harbour at Hatchet Bay, Eleuthera)
October 2006

7. Preventing Pollution at Sea
MARPOL 73/78
Oil
Chemicals
Dangerous Goods
Sewage
Garbage
Air Emissions
October 2006

8. Ensuring Safety of Life at Sea
SOLAS 74 (as amended)
Ship construction
Fire protection & prevention
Life-saving appliances
Radio communications
Safety of navigation
October 2006

9. Ensuring Safety of Life at Sea
SOLAS 74 (as amended) (cont’d)
Carriage of cargo
Manning of ships
STCW 78 (as amended)
Training & certification of seafarers
October 2006

10. Preventing Damage to the Marine Environment
ANTI-FOULING 2001
Prevention of use of paints containing TBT
BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT 2004
Prevention of the introduction of invasive species
October 2006

11. Ensuring Security of Ships and Ports
ISP CODE
Detection of security threats
Prevention of security incidents to ships and international port facilities
October 2006

12. Legislative Framework
The Port Authorities Act
The Boat Registration Act
The Water Skiing and Motor Boat Control Act
The Merchant Shipping Act
October 2006

13. Commitment of Port Department
Port Department is committed to excellence
Providing quality service to its customers
Regulating all maritime and environmental issues within the port areas
Providing training and career development opportunities for its staff

14. Port Legislative Provisions
Security
Port Controller
(Admiralty
Marshall)
Dock/Wharf
Maintenance
Tug Services
Harbour
Control
Inspectorate
Beach
Enforcement
Lighthouses
Wreck
Receipt
Dock Masters
Oil Spills
Marine Pilot
Supervision
ISPS
Coordination
Boat
Registration

15. Port Policy Provisions
Contingency Planning
Oil spills
Other maritime emergencies
October 2006

16. Port Services Warehouse storage Waste collection Fuel/Bunker services
Pilotage
Harbour Patrol
Tug Services
October 2006

17. Other Port Responsibilities
Relations with Bahamas Maritime Authority
Relations with the Water and Sewerage Corporation
Relations with the Bahamas Electricity Corporation
Relations with the Petroleum Industry
Oil and Natural Gas Exploration
Aragonite Mining

18. Recent Maritime Achievements
The Bahamas has 3rd largest ship registry in the world
The Bahamas requires SCTW training for all seafarers
All declared Bahamian ports compliant with ISPS Code
Relocation of Haitian vessels from Arawak Cay

19. Challenges Oversight of numerous ports among many islands
Grey water disposal in harbours
Introduction of invasive species
Destruction of reefs related to anchorage
Transportation of dangerous cargo (e.g. propane)
October 2006

20. Challenges Improper disposal of waste oil and waste water
Inadequate Human resources
Ensuring that ships maintain standard for registration in The Bahamas
Delayed process for legislative drafting and enactment
October 2006

21. Current Remedies
Creation of no anchorage zones in collaboration with BEST Commission
Draft Marina Policy under review to guide marina construction
In pursuit of qualified Health and Safety Officer for Port Department
October 2006

22. Proposed Strategy Remedial legislation
Hefty penalties for pollution of Bahamian waterways
Environmental inspectorate within the Port Department
Disposal of used waste oil
October 2006

23. Proposed Strategy Implementation of Marina Policy
Removal of submerged boats from harbours of north side New Providence
Extraction of wrecks including, but not limited to those in Fresh Creek, Abaco, and Hope Town
October 2006

24. Proposed Strategy
Comprehensive cleaning of Arawak Cay (in collaboration with DEHS)
Establishment of technical group for the protection of Bahamian waters from invasive species
October 2006

25. Proposed Strategy Recruitment of qualified, experienced staff
Training of new and existent staff
October 2006

26. Proposed Strategy Encourage proposals for international training
Proposal to establish a Maritime Training Institution being reviewed by Government
October 2006

27. Thank You!
Contact Us
Port Department Prince George Dock P. O. Box N 8175 Nassau, N.P.,
The Bahamas
Phone: 
Fax:     
Bahamas Maritime Authority Manx Corporate Centre
West Bay Street
PO Box N4679
Nassau, N.P., Bahamas
Phone: 
Fax:     
October 2006

28. Thank You!
October 2006