Preamble

For the purposes of the Ship and Port Facility Security Regulations and in accordance with Chapter XI-2 of SOLAS and the ISPS Code, please note that the Designated Authority is:

The Bahamas Maritime Authority - with respect to enforcement of ship security on Bahamian ships and foreign ships in Bahamian waters,

The Bahamas Port Department - with respect to the port facility security and ship/port interface within the jurisdiction of The Bahamas

International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Assessments

Ship Security Assessments

For information regarding Ship Security for Bahamian Registered vessels to whom the ISPS Code applies, see https://www.bahamasmaritime.com.

Port Facility Security Assessments

In accordance with Part A, section 15.2 of the ISPS Code, which has been ratified through The Bahamas Ship and Port Facility Security Code a Port Facility Security Assessment shall be carried out for each Port Facility serving such ships engaged on international voyages to whom the Code apples; inclusive of:

• Passenger ships, including high-speed passenger craft;
• Cargo ships, including high-speed craft, of 500 gross tonnage and upwards; and
• Mobile offshore drilling units.

Requirements for Port Facilities

In accordance with Regulation 10 of SOLAS XI-2; Port facilities shall comply with the relevant requirements of Part A of the ISPS Code, taking into account the guidance given in part B of the ISPS Code.

As ratified by The Bahamas Ship and Port Facility Security Regulations it is a requirement for the following:

• A Port Facility Security Assessment shall be conducted, reviewed and approved in accordance with the provisions of Part A of the ISPS Code;
• A Port Facility Security Plan shall be developed, reviewed, approved and implemented in accordance with the provisions of Part A of the ISPS Code.

Port Facility Security Inspections

The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Compliance Unit which has been mandated by the Ministry of Transport to provide comprehensive and effective ISPS compliance oversight of the international ship and port facilities throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas was established on 22^nd October, 2019.

The Unit is adequately staffed with officers and marines from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to ensure ISPS compliance of the existing twenty-four (24) port facilities and proposed facilities within the territory of The Bahamas.

The ISPS Compliance Unit acts as the recognized security organization of The Bahamas and is charged with the responsibility of conducting periodic compliance audits and random Statement of Compliance Inspections of ISPS compliant entities.

To ensure congruence with security measures outlined in Port Facility Security Plans in tandem with the provisions of Chapter XI-2 and Part A of the International Code for Security of Ships and Port Facility operations.