Grandfathering Procedures For Undocumented Persons With Experience At Sea
The Barbados Maritime Transport Administration (BMTA), a department under the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, will begin its process of grandfathering undocumented persons with sea experience under the small vessel owners and operators, pursuant to the Shipping (Domestic Vessels) Act, 2024.
The Act applies to small vessel owners and operators of non-fishing small vessels of 150 GT and under but does not apply to fishing vessel owners or operators. The process of grandfathering of undocumented persons with sea experience will run from August 13, 2025, to April 30, 2026.
Undocumented persons with experience at sea refers to those owners and operators of Barbados-registered vessels who have operated without a Speedboat Driver’s Licence or international boating qualifications prior to the enactment of the Shipping (Domestic Vessels) Act, 2024, on July 26, 2024.
Undocumented persons with experience at sea who were grandfathered-in during 2024 are not required to be re-grandfathered-in, as grandfathering is a one-time process. Persons with experience at sea who were issued new licences under the Shipping (Domestic Vessels) Act in 2024, only need to renew their licences and should be guided by the expiry date on the licences.
Undocumented persons with experience at sea are required to undertake a Fast-Track Competency Test to demonstrate competency in basic seamanship and maritime safety.
Grandfathering procedures for undocumented persons with experience at sea requires individuals to email the Barbados Coast Guard at fasttracktest@bdf.gov.bb to apply for a date to undertake the Fast-Track Competency Test.
Afterwards, they should proceed to the Barbados Coast Guard, HMBS Pelican, “Mighty Grynner” Highway, to undertake the Fast-Track Competency Test on the test date officially communicated to the test applicant by the Barbados Coast Guard.
Following submission of the test results by the Barbados Coast Guard to the BMTA, and after the BMTA has notified test-takers of their results, undocumented persons should proceed to the office of the BMTA, on the 4th Floor, One Barbados Place, Warrens, St. Michael, to be grandfathered-in.
The Barbados Maritime Transport Administration thanks persons for their understanding and cooperation.
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg