The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) was formed in 1995 to administer the Bahamas Ship Register.

The Authority has established offices in Nassau, London, New York and Hong Kong also Agents in Tokyo, Japan, Germany and Greece.

The Bahamas Maritime Authority continues to make its presence felt in the area of International Shipping. The Bahamas is one of the the world's largest Register, following Liberia and Panama and it is the world leader in cruise passenger ships.

The Bahamian fleet comprises some 1,650 ocean-going vessels totaling over 53 million gross tons.

The functions of the Authority are:
 

1. to promote, facilitate and encourage the development of ship registration and maritime administration of The Bahamas.
   
2. to regulate, control and administer all matters related to merchant shipping as provided for under the Merchant Shipping Act or any other law:
   
3. to collect registration fees, annual fees and other monies payable under the Merchant Shipping Act or any other related law;
   
4. to participate in international organizations and other meetings dealing with maritime-related matters.
   
5. to carry out, operate and participate in any maritime project.
   
6. to assist in the development of the maritime industry of the Bahamas.
   
7. to expand and create maritime employment opportunities for Bahamians
   
8. to advise Government of any matter relating to merchant shipping, marine pollution prevention and control, and any other matter relating to its functions and duties.