Superyachts that frequent The Bahamas are familiar with the duty-free and/or flag-state services they offer – now the Bahamas are developing its own dedicated superyacht registry.
While superyachts have been able to register under the Bahamian flag for some time, they were technically grouped under the ship registry. However, according to The Bahamas Maritime Authority, the megayacht ranks have been growing to the point that a separate structure seems more logical.
Bahamas Flag
As a result, the Bahamas Martime Authority began creating The Bahamas Yacht Code in late 2009 for the registration and management of what it terms “Large Commercial Yachts.” The new Bahamas Yacht Code will apply to yachts from 24 meters (79 feet) load line length and up to 3,000 gross tons. Declared non-commercial yachts will be recommended to comply with those standards.
“As you are no doubt aware, we have an impressive ship register, one of the largest fleets in the world with over 52 million in gross tonnage,” said the Bahama’s prime minister, Hubert Ingraham to more than 200 participants at the opening ceremonies at the third annual Bahamas International Maritime Conference and Trade Show being held at the Our Lucaya Resort in Grand Bahama.
“We look to the growth of a Mega Yacht Registry. It is not our goal, however, to have the biggest fleet in the world. What we desire is to have the best. I hope that you agree with me when I say that we are well on our way toward achieving this goal.”
Mr. Ingraham said the government is also proud that the country is on the White Lists of all of the world’s Port State Control regimes.
The Bahamas Maritime Authority is currently speaking with Bradford Marine Bahamas to help it develop and promote the new yacht registry.
Bradford Marine Bahamas has a purpose built facility that has been accommodating superyachts since the late 1990s. It has 2,500ft of docks that benefit from 25ft-deep water. It can also haul out yachts of up to 230ft using an on-site floating drydock. Larger megayachts can be serviced next door at Grand Bahama Shipyard thanks to a partnership agreement.
