Bahamas Maritime Authority

What Bahamas Maritime Authority does

The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) is the maritime regulatory authority of The Bahamas, administering the country's flag-state responsibilities under international conventions. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in London with offices in Nassau and Piraeus, BMA registers vessels, certifies seafarers, conducts inspections and investigations, and represents The Bahamas at the International Maritime Organization, where it has held a Council seat continuously since 1999. The register is the world's largest for passenger ships and includes Carnival's Mardi Gras and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas-class vessels, alongside a broad base of cargo and specialized tonnage that takes Greek owners above 20% of the fleet.

The operating platform is built around BORIS, the online registration and records system that processes the bulk of vessel and seafarer transactions. BMA has layered digital products on top of this base, including a blockchain-secured Digital Seafarer Record Book, the Maritime Passport digital identity wallet previewed at IMO FAL 50, and the SmartSea ecosystem being developed with SITA and IDsure. The authority also runs the Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps and an IGF Training Framework expanded with CSMART, extending its scope into seafarer pipeline development and alternative-fuel crew certification. Inspections and casualty investigations are delivered through a worldwide network of authorized marine surveyors alongside in-house technical staff.

Revenue mechanics are fee-based and transaction-driven, spanning initial registration, annual tonnage fees, seafarer certification and examination fees, inspection and audit charges, and ancillary document services. Customers are global shipowners and operators, with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Chevron, Columbia Shipmanagement, and Campbell Shipping among the named enterprise users. Employee headcount sits in the 51-100 range, supporting the world's largest passenger ship flag plus a large merchant fleet while maintaining QUALSHIP 21 eligibility and a Paris MoU top-10 white-list position for seven consecutive years.

Name

Bahamas Maritime Authority

Legal name

Bahamas Maritime Authority

Website

https://bahamasmaritime.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Bahamas Maritime Authority is the flag-state maritime administration of The Bahamas, registering vessels and certifying seafarers globally, with the world's largest passenger ship fleet on its register and offices in London, Nassau, and Piraeus.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Maritime Flag State Administration

NAICS

Support Activities for Water Transportation (4883), Navigational Services to Shipping (488330), Port and Harbor Operations (488310)

SIC

Water Transportation (4400), Foreign Governments (8888), International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Port Call Clearance & Documentation (Arrival/Departure, Customs/Immigration/Health) (TLAHAJAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Ship & Port Security Audits, Inspections & Certification (Flag/Class/PSC Support) (TLAHANAD), Maritime Safety Management Systems & Training (ISM/ISO 45001, Drills, Competency) (TLAHANAF), Vessel Vetting & Due Diligence Services (SIRE/CDI, Terminal Vetting) (TLAHANAE), Maritime & Port Authorities (Public Ports, Harbors, Ferries Terminals) (BPAIALAF)

Keywords

• Ship registration services
• Flag state administration
• Maritime regulatory services
• Seafarer certification
• Vessel survey inspections

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Vessel Registration Fees: Fees charged for vessel registration under Bahamas flag, including initial registration, annual tonnage fees, and renewal fees. Revenue is transaction-based with recurring annual components.
2. Seafarer Documentation Services: Fees for processing seafarer documents, certificates of competency, and manning certification services.
3. Inspection and Survey Services: Revenue from statutory surveys, audits, and inspections of Bahamian vessels conducted by authorized inspectors.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The Bahamas Maritime Authority provides flag state administration services including vessel registration under the Bahamas flag, seafarer certification and documentation, statutory inspections and surveys, marine casualty investigations, and yacht registration. It operates BORIS, a web-based portal for digital registration services, and delivers digital seafarer credentials through blockchain-secured systems in partnership with IDsure and SITA. The authority also administers an IGF Code Training Framework through approved shore-based providers.

Product overview

The Bahamas Maritime Authority operates as a maritime regulatory body providing vessel registration and seafarer certification services. Its core digital products include BORIS (Bahamas Online Registration Information System) for comprehensive vessel registration management, and a portfolio of digital credential solutions including blockchain-secured digital seafarer record books, the IDsure-powered digital competency certificates app, and the Maritime Passport digital wallet for seafarer identity verification. The organization also offers the IGF Training Framework for alternative fuel certification and supports seafarer welfare through mental health survey tools and training recognition. These products work together to provide end-to-end digital services for ship registration, crew documentation, and regulatory compliance management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BORIS (Bahamas Online Registration Information System) A comprehensive web-based platform enabling shipowners and managers to digitally access vessel registration services, including vessel name reservation, registration applications, certificate verification, invoice payment, and seafarer services. Features single-entry vessel data, application tracking, and document download capabilities.
• Vessel Registration Services Registration of commercial vessels under the Bahamas flag, including new builds, flag transfers, mortgages, bareboat registration, and other registration transactions for ship owners and managers across all vessel types.
• Yacht Registration Services Registration of yachts in The Bahamas including small yachts, large yachts, and passenger yachts, supported by the Bahamas Yacht Codes regulatory framework.
• Seafarers & Manning Services Processing of seafarer documents, Certificates of Competency, STCW training approval, manning certifications, MLC compliance support, and crew repatriation assistance for seafarers serving on Bahamas-flagged vessels.
• Inspections & Surveys Statutory surveys, audits, and inspections of Bahamian vessels conducted by authorized inspectors and Recognised Organisations (Bureau Veritas, DNV, Lloyd's Register, RINA) to ensure compliance with international conventions.
• Marine Casualty Investigations Marine casualty investigation services including reporting procedures, published investigation reports, and regulatory follow-up for incidents involving Bahamas-flagged vessels.
• Blockchain-Secured Digital Seafarer Record Book System Blockchain-secured digital documentation system providing tamper-proof seafarer record books and competency certificates, enabling instant credential verification by port authorities and reducing administrative burden for operators and seafarers.
• IGF (Advanced) Certificate of Proficiency Training Framework An innovative training pathway enabling seafarers to achieve IGF (Advanced) Certificate of Proficiency through approved shore-based training programmes incorporating live LNG bunkering experience, with authorized providers including CSMART, Maersk training centres, and Simwave.

Quantifiable outcome

• 0.35% detention ratio in US ports (3-year rolling average), well below Qualship 21 threshold of 1.0%
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• CSMART (Carnival Corporation)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026Approved as BMA's latest authorized IGF Code training provider. CSMART programme combines advanced simulation with full-scale classroom bunkering rig and hands-on LNG bunkering operations, enabling seafarers to obtain IGF (Advanced) Certificate of Proficiency without 30 days sea service requirement.
• IDsurecoreTechnology or Integration · 25 March 2026Partnership to introduce digital seafarer record books and competency certificates via a GDPR-compliant mobile app. Enables instant verification of credentials by port authorities and reduces administrative burden for operators.
• Columbia ShipmanagementcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2026Pilot partner for SmartSea digital identity solution. Pilot program replaces paper-based crew documents with secure, mobile-stored digital credentials for seafarers.
• SITAcoreTechnology or Integration · 24 March 2026Partnership under SmartSea strategy to bring aviation-grade digital identity solutions to seafarers. Enables port authorities to verify documents instantly, reducing verification tasks from hours to minutes.
• Bahamas Shipowners Association (BSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association representing Bahamas-registered ship owners. Provides valuable contributions to BMA initiatives, shipboard exposure opportunities for cadets, and collaborative engagement on regulatory matters. Greek shipowners represent over 20% of Bahamas fleet.
• University of Washington School of Public HealthminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration on Seafarer COVID-19 Welfare Survey to understand mental health needs of seafarers during the coronavirus pandemic. Survey data analyzed to develop effective solutions for improving seafarer livelihoods.
• Isca WellbeingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBMA recognized Seafarer Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing course as complying with BMA requirements. Course helps seafarers understand mental health disorders and respond to behavioral changes. First mental health training recognized by BMA.
• Classification Societies (Recognised Organisations)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBureau Veritas, DNV, Lloyd's Register, and Registro Italiano Navale serve as Recognised Organisations conducting surveys and inspections on behalf of BMA. Collaboration ensures vessels comply with international conventions and uphold Bahamas quality reputation.
• International Mobile Satellite Organisation (IMSO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBMA elected to Advisory Committee of IMSO which oversees public satellite safety and security communication services used in GMDSS, LRIT and other safety protocols. Contributes to monitoring developments in maritime satellite communications.
• International Maritime Organization (IMO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBMA serves as IMO Council member since 1999, advocating for goal-based regulatory approach. Active participation in IMO committees including Facilitation Committee (FAL), Maritime Safety Committee, and Technical Cooperation Committee.
• International Labour Organization (ILO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBMA represented The Bahamas at ILO Special Tripartite Committee meeting on Maritime Labour Convention 2006. Active engagement in MLC amendments and seafarer welfare advocacy including key worker designation.
• Maersk Training CentrescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaersk training centres in Denmark and India approved as authorised IGF Code training providers alongside CSMART and Simwave, strengthening BMA's global network for alternative fuel training.
• SimwavecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetherlands-based training provider approved as authorised IGF Code training provider as part of BMA's innovative training framework for low and zero-carbon fuels certification.
• International Maritime Pilots AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBMA coordinated CIC on Pilot Transfer Arrangements following IMPPA campaign highlighting common defects. Collaboration with industry experts on seafarer safety initiatives.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Isle of Man Ship Registry: British Crown Dependency registry offering premium quality flag services; competes for high-quality tonnage and superyacht registrations with overlapping UK-seafarer appeal.
• Cyprus Department of Merchant Shipping: EU-based flag administration with a parallel service portfolio in ship registration, seafarer certification, and tonnage tax. Competes for EU and international owner tonnage.
• Liberia Maritime Authority (LISCR): Another leading open registry directly competing for the same global deep-sea fleet, especially tankers and bulk carriers. Comparable product offerings in vessel registration, seafarer documentation, and tonnage tax administration.
• Cayman Islands Shipping Registry: Caribbean-based open registry offering ship registration services targeting the same international owner pool; regional peer competing for cruise, yacht, and commercial tonnage.
• Panama Maritime Authority: The world's largest flag by tonnage; competing open registry serving the same international shipowner base with similar vessel registration and seafarer documentation services.
• Bermuda Shipping Registry: British Overseas Territory flag administration with comparable focus on quality tonnage, superyacht registration, and seafarer certification; competes for high-end passenger and luxury vessel registrations.
• Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services: Caribbean flag state providing vessel registration and seafarer certification; competes directly with BMA for yacht, cruise, and commercial registrations in the Caribbean market.
• Malta Maritime Authority: Major European flag state offering comparable ship registration, seafarer certification, and yacht registration services. Overlaps with BMA in cruise, commercial, and yacht segments across EU and international markets.
• Marshall Islands Maritime & Corporate Administrators (RMI Registry): One of the world's largest open registries, a direct competitor for international ship registration, seafarer certification, and flag state services. Operates a similar fee-based model targeting the same global tonnage pool as BMA.

Broad incumbents

• Singapore Maritime & Port Authority: National maritime authority combining flag administration with broader port operations and maritime services. Wider scope than BMA but overlapping in ship registration and seafarer certification in Asia-Pacific.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/bahamasmaritime
• Facebookfacebook.com/bahmaritimeauthority
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bahamas-maritime-authority

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Bahamas Maritime Authority