Interview between Adonis Violaris of Cyprus Shippping News and Dimitri Tsiftsis,
Regional Director – The Bahamas Maritime Authority, published on CSN website*
*www.cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/10/07/dimitri-tsiftsis-of-the-bahamas-maritime-authority-on-adaptation-challenges-and-sustainability-in-the-greek-maritime-industry/
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.
