Interview between Adonis Violaris of Cyprus Shippping News and Dimitri Tsiftsis,
Regional Director – The Bahamas Maritime Authority, published on CSN website*
Could you please introduce yourself and your role at The Bahamas Maritime Authority?
I am Dimitri Tsiftsis, Regional Director, East Mediterranean, Black Sea and Middle East at The Bahamas Maritime Authority. I joined The BMA in 2017 and my role involves overseeing operations at the Piraeus office, business development and marketing and industry relations. We are pleased to work with owners and partners from Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, the Black Sea and the Middle East.
How has The Bahamas Maritime Authority adapted to the evolving needs of the maritime industry in the Greek region?
2024 represents a milestone for The Bahamas Maritime Authority as it marks ten years of successful operations from its Greek office. The BMA was very early to recognise the importance of the Greek shipping industry and so was keen to have a dedicated presence in the region. From small beginnings, The BMA in Piraeus now offers a complete range of registration services including on-line certification, full technical support, and the issuing of seafarers’ documentation.
What are the key challenges facing the maritime industry today, particularly in the Greek region, and how is The Bahamas Maritime Authority addressing them?
The key challenges facing the maritime industry today are global rather than regional, so the Greek region is grappling with the same issues as the rest of the sector. The three key challenges are: emissions control with the introduction of new fuels in line with the regulations; maritime safety due to regional conflicts; and the human element, specifically seafarer training and availability. The BMA is working closely with its partners at the IMO as well as its shipowners to ensure that the regulatory process is balanced and effective. We are fully committed to the IMO 2023 Green House Gas (GHG) strategy and are actively engaged in ensuring the industry is able to meet its targets on the reduction of GHG.
In terms of maritime safety and specifically safeguarding the principle of the rights of safe navigation, The Bahamas continues to advocate for the release of the crew of the Greek managed ship, Galaxy Leader, and the respect of safety for all ships undertaking innocent voyages globally. We are unwavering in our support of the IMO Resolution on the illegal and unjustifiable direct threat to the freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical waterways, causing major disruptions to regional and global trade.
With regards to the human element, The BMA works closely with its approved training providers, ensuring they continue to provide services that meet our strict requirements. Achieving capacity building at the national level is a strategic objective of The Bahamas and this is achieved through Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps (BMCC) which introduces high school students to the maritime industry and prepares them for entry level employment opportunities in the sector or continued tertiary level studies. Each year, the BMCC has approximately 400 students with growing numbers of graduates choosing to continue their further education studies and so building capacity for the maritime sector as a whole.
Can you discuss any recent advancements or initiatives that The Bahamas Maritime Authority has implemented to enhance maritime safety and security in the region?
Taking into consideration the ongoing security risk in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, The BMA has revised its security guidance regarding the regular and deliberate targeting of ships and collateral damage from regional conflict. Transiting in this region is now considered extremely high risk but The Bahamas does not currently impose restrictions. However, The BMA has issued Best Management Practices (BMP) to assist Masters as they navigate this region.
The BMA maintains a watchful eye on the situation in the region and issues Technical Alerts as required to ensure its fleet has the latest available information and advice.
How does The Bahamas Maritime Authority support sustainable shipping practices and environmental protection in the Greek region?
In keeping with global standards, relevant members of the Greek shipping industry (most being affiliated with the Bahamas Shipowners Association) are obliged to comply with International Maritime Organization measures which cover all aspects of international shipping – including ship design, construction, equipment, manning, operation and disposal – to ensure that this vital sector remains safe, environmentally sound, energy efficient and secure. To support its shipowners in meeting these standards, The Bahamas Maritime Authority provides regular guidance to ensure all stakeholders are updated on the requirements of these international standards. The 2023 IMO Strategy on Reduction of GHG Emissions from ships is an essential pathway which is advocated, in accordance with the agreed programme of follow-up actions within the IMO.
The theme for World Maritime Day in 2024 is “Navigating the future: safety first!” This theme reflects the IMO’s work to: enhance maritime safety and security; protect the marine environment; anticipate technological change and innovation; and promote the IMO’s GHG reduction policy. The theme also connects to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Bahamas Maritime Authority fully endorses the above and ensures the spirit of the theme is conveyed to the Greek Shipping industry for compliance and adoption in their regulatory processes.
What role does The Bahamas Maritime Authority play in the training and certification of seafarers, and how is this important for the industry?
The Seafarers and Manning Department looks after all aspects of the Bahamas Flag that involve crew and personnel. This encompasses everything related to training, certification and endorsements. The department is comprised of representatives in regional offices around the globe.
The Seafarers and Manning Department ensures that all seafarers have the required qualifications to gain a Bahamas Certificate of Competency (CoC) or Certificate of Equivalent Competency (CEC) to carry out their duties. It has a stringent approval process to ensure that quality remains at the highest level for all mariners who have been issued with Bahamas certificates. These documents are now all available electronically enabling seafarers to access them wherever they are working around the world.
Our Seafarers and Manning Department also approves a network of training providers certifying them to offer maritime courses to personnel on Bahamas flagged ships. More recently it has approved a number of training institutions offering courses online. These virtual courses maintain the expected high standards but are more flexible for seafarers who can take courses at a time and place of their choosing, crucially at sea if that is what they prefer. This saves both time and money and also assists shipowners, by minimizing staff shortages due to lack of training options. The BMA has also for the first time endorsed a Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing course which aligns with our role in a joint ILO working group looking into mental health.
Could you elaborate on the importance of the Greek region for The Bahamas Maritime Authority and its strategic significance in the maritime sector?
Greece is at the epicentre of global maritime activity and so it is of enormous importance to The BMA and also to the entire maritime sector. Greek shipowners make up approximately 25% of the worldwide shipping industry and that figure rises to 60% in Europe; there are also significant numbers of owners in the surrounding region. Quality customer service remains at the heart of what we do, and The BMA is proud to support its Greek owners and managers in the safe operation of their vessels, which today number more than 275 and total 13 million gross tons. We are honoured that so many have chosen to entrust their fleets to The Bahamas Flag, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure they receive the highest possible levels of service from us.
We are currently preparing our application for full Consular representation in Greece, a move that underlines the importance of the region to The BMA and which will further support our provision of certified documentation to our Greek owners.
How does The Bahamas Maritime Authority collaborate with other maritime authorities and organizations to improve the maritime industry?
As the maritime industry faces increasingly complex challenges, collaboration among key stakeholders at the international regulatory maritime organisations and industry groups such as International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), InterCargo, InterTanko, CLIA amongst others is more crucial than ever. The Bahamas Maritime Authority remains at the forefront of these efforts, working tirelessly to enhance safety, security, and sustainability across the globe. This commitment is reflected in our proactive role in addressing geopolitical threats, advocating for seafarers’ rights, and driving regulatory advancements that benefit the entire maritime community.
The Bahamas remains active at the IMO and the ILO in calling for safety and security measures within the Red Sea region and elsewhere, and The BMA and The Bahamas Government are always ready to support our shipowners, as needed. As one of the first countries to ratify the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC 2006), we were honoured to represent IMO member states on the IMO/ILO Joint Working Group to identify and address seafarers’ issues, prioritising the human element within shipping. In terms of the environment and safety, The Bahamas continues to play a significant role in developing new regulations. We are actively engaged with a range of topics including: safety of water mist fire-fighting systems; maintenance and safety of lifeboat launching systems; passenger ship safety; MARPOL record books; recommendations and proposals for the reclassification of cargos and amendments to the IMSBC Code; and amendments to the LSA Code to increase ventilation rates for totally enclosed lifeboats.
In addition, the Bahamas chaired the IMO group which led to the development of the International Code of Safety for Diving Operations, 2023 (2023 Diving Code) providing an international standard of safety for diving units and enhancing the safety of divers and diving support personnel.
In all cases we are advocating for clear and simple regulations that will ease the way for the shipping industry and clarifies compliance requirements.
What are the future plans and goals for The Bahamas Maritime Authority in the Greek region?
Globally, and of course that also includes the Greek region, The Bahamas remains supportive of the IMO’s initial, and revised, strategies of Green House Gas Reduction (GHG) related to shipping. It ensures engagement with its stakeholders at all stages of the progress towards reduction of GHG emissions, with consideration of alternative fuels and operational measures.
In terms of the Piraeus office, we are very proud of the way we have grown over the past ten years and are delighted to have a wide variety of different ships in our registry. This includes cruisers, tankers, bulkers, off-shores, LNGs, LPGs, yachts and others. It is our hope that we will continue to grow while providing the excellent service and care for which we are renowned throughout the entire shipping sector.
In your opinion, what makes The Bahamas Maritime Authority a preferred choice for ship registration and maritime services in the Greek region?
The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) is recognised as a preferred choice for ship registration and maritime services in the Greek region due to our unwavering commitment to quality service and the highest standards. Our Greek Office is fully equipped to provide comprehensive services essential for the safe and efficient operation of vessels managed by Greek shipowners and those in the surrounding region. Our team of seasoned professionals brings extensive experience to every aspect of registration, technical matters, and seafarer certification.
Additionally, we have recently updated our legislation to align with the latest IMO resolutions and industry developments, ensuring that our services remain relevant and effective. These high-quality services are consistently available across all BMA offices, including those in London, New York, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Nassau, and through our agent in Seoul, offering global support to our valued clients.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the operations of The Bahamas Maritime Authority, and what measures have been taken to ensure continuity and support for the maritime industry?
As with many responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, The BMA embraced new technology at a faster rate than previously. We adapted our procedures to fit the new protocols which led to numerous innovative developments, many of which have either been adopted permanently or, at the very least, have positively impacted our decision-making. Our online registration service, BORIS, is continually enhanced to remain at the forefront of technology while ensuring ease of use for our clients. We have also implemented an online reporting system for maritime incidents, streamlining procedures and providing critical data for trend analysis. This allows us to proactively adapt safety measures, reinforcing our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in maritime safety.
We were also able to conduct remote vessel inspections with the aid of portable tablets and increased connectivity to ensure that Bahamas-flagged ships continued to comply with regulations.
Lastly, is there anything upcoming or exciting that The Bahamas Maritime Authority is working on that you can share with our readers?
The BMA is proud of its collaboration with a number of industry stakeholders with whom we engage in regular dialogue to assist in the development of policies and guidance that reflect industry needs and requirements. Upcoming and ongoing activities include meetings/seminars with our shipowners, individually and collectively, through the Bahamas Shipowners Association, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), CLIA, InterTanko and InterCargo amongst others; meeting with regulatory bodies such as US Coast Guard, Paris MoU; and seminars with our Recognised Class Societies and approved Nautical Inspectors.
Describe the level of service provided by the Greek office team.
Our team, consisting of qualified and experienced personnel,addresses the business aspects of ship operations from registration to seafarers & manning. In terms of technical matters, they have the expertise to take care of all our customer requirements promptly and efficiently. Through our global network of offices, we are committed to providing client support around the clock.
