Grandfathering-In Process For Documented & Undocumented Operators
The Barbados Maritime Transport Administration (BMTA), in the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport, has resumed its grandfathering-in process for operators under the new licensing regime in the Shipping (Domestic Vessels) Act, 2024.
This process does not apply to fishing vessel owners or operators.
The BTMA has advised that the deadline for documented operators, which was previously October 31, has been extended to December 19, 2025.
Documented operators refer to those persons who previously held a Speedboat Driver’s Licence and international boating qualifications before the July 26, 2024, commencement of the Shipping (Domestic Vessels) Act, 2024.
Those documented operators who were not actively operating a vessel for five years or more are required to undertake a Fast-Track Competency Test to demonstrate competency in basic seamanship and maritime safety, to be grandfathered-in to the new licensing regime under the Shipping (Domestic Vessels) Act, 2024.
Undocumented operators with experience at sea are reminded that their grandfathering-in process will conclude on April 30, 2026, and they are also required to undertake a Fast-Track Competency Test to demonstrate competency in basic seamanship and maritime safety.
The criteria that apply to undocumented operators with experience at sea refer to 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 operators with experience at sea who were grandfathered-in during 2024 are not required to be re-grandfathered-in, as grandfathering-in is a one-time process. Operators 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 those licences.
The BMTA has further advised that the grandfathering-in period for inactive documented operators commenced on September 1, 2025, and will conclude on April 30, 2026.
Inactive documented operators refer to owners and operators of Barbados registered vessels who previously held a Speedboat Driver’s Licence or international boating qualifications immediately before the July 26, 2024, commencement of the Shipping (Domestic Vessels) Act, 2024, but have not consistently operated a vessel for a period of five years or more.
Undocumented operators with experience at sea, and inactive documented operators, must email the Barbados Coast Guard at fasttracktest@bdf.gov.bb to apply for a date to undertake the Fast-Track Competency Test.
Upon receiving an email notification of the test date, they must proceed to the Barbados Coast Guard, HMBS Pelican, “Mighty Grynner” Highway, to undertake the Fast-Track Competency Test on the date specified.
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 operators with experience at sea and inactive documented operators must proceed to the office of the BMTA, on the 4th Floor, One Barbados Place, Warrens, St. Michael, to be grandfathered-in.
Documented operators, undocumented operators with experience at sea and inactive documented operators may visit the BTMA’s office between 9:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to complete the process for the duration of the grandfathering-in period.
The Barbados Maritime Transport Administration thanks persons for their understanding and cooperation.
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg