If you sail on a Bahamian-flagged ship, sooner or later you will hear the words “Bahamas seaman’s book” and “Bahamas endorsement.” Many cruise and merchant ships fly this flag, so seafarers often ask SeaEmploy.com what they actually need and how to apply. Let’s walk through it step by step, without legal jargon.
Bahamas seaman’s book: what it is and who really needs it
The Bahamas seaman’s book, officially the Seaman’s Record Book or Continuous Discharge Certificate, comes from the Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA). It records your sea service, basic details and endorsements, and it works as an official seafarer ID under STCW and ILO conventions.
The BMA handles all seafarer documents through its Seafarers & Manning Department. The same department looks after safe manning, STCW approvals and seafarer documents for ships on the register.
For officers and ratings on Bahamian-flagged ships, the key points are:
- Every seafarer must hold the STCW and MLC documents required for their rank when they sign on a Bahamas ship.
- Non-Bahamian officers need a Bahamas Flag State Endorsement that recognises their national Certificate of Competency (CoC).
- Owners can request a Bahamas seaman’s book so they have an official record of service that aligns with MLC requirements.
So in practice you usually see this pattern:
- Ratings: may sail with their national book, but many companies still prefer or request a Bahamas seaman’s book for clean documentation.
- Officers: keep their national CoC but also need a Bahamas endorsement. Many companies combine that process with an application for a Bahamas seaman’s book so everything matches in the BMA system.
Why cruise companies love the Bahamas flag
The Bahamas flag counts as an “open registry” or “flag of convenience.” That phrase simply means shipowners register their vessels in a country where they often have no big physical presence, but where the legal framework and taxes suit international shipping. Around 77% of the world fleet by deadweight tonnage sails under foreign flags, and open registries like the Bahamas carry a big share of that tonnage.
The Bahamas Maritime Authority promotes itself as a high-quality, low-risk flag with strong STCW compliance and Qualship 21 recognition.
For cruise ships, the Bahamas has become almost the default choice. Industry analyses note that the Bahamas holds the top spot worldwide for cruise ship registration, with more than 100 cruise vessels flying its flag.
Global ocean-going cruise fleets count roughly 300–350 ships, depending on how you define the segment. So the Bahamas likely covers around one-third of the world’s cruise ships, and probably an even higher share if you look only at large resort ships. This makes the Bahamas a central player in the passenger sector.
Why do cruise companies love this flag?
- Competitive taxes and registration fees
- Modern STCW-based seafarer rules
- A big global network of surveyors and representatives
- Experience dealing with very large passenger ships and complex safety setups
For seafarers that means simple things: lots of cruise jobs involve Bahamian paperwork, and recruiters often expect you to understand at least the basics.
Endorsements: how Bahamas recognises your CoC
If you hold a national CoC from a country that has an STCW Regulation I/10 agreement with the Bahamas, the BMA can recognise it and issue a Bahamas Flag State Endorsement (FSE).
The endorsement confirms that you may serve in that rank on Bahamian-flag ships. The BMA also endorses GMDSS and tanker certificates of proficiency, as STCW requires.
The process works roughly like this:
- Your company or crewing manager registers with the Bahamas online system, BORIS (Bahamas Online Registration Information System).
- The manager submits your application electronically through BORIS, including:
- Completed seafarer document form (BMA application for seafarers’ documents)
- Copy of your national CoC and STCW endorsements
- Passport copy
- Approved photo that fits BMA’s photo rules
- Valid medical and sea-service record if needed
- BORIS returns a Confirmation Receipt of Application (CRA) that you can show if a port state control inspector asks about your status while the physical endorsement is still in progress.
The endorsement usually carries the same expiry date as your national CoC, although BMA guidance explains how they handle extended or revalidated certificates.
How to apply for a Bahamas seaman’s book
For the seaman’s book (Seaman’s Record Book), the procedure looks very similar. The BMA describes it under “Seafarer Documents” and “Applications for Seafarer’s Documents.”
Here is a simple guide you can follow with your company:
Step 1: Check that you actually need it
Ask your employer if they require a Bahamas seaman’s book for your rank. Many cruise and offshore companies do, especially when they want all service records under the same flag.
Step 2: Gather your paperwork
Typically you need:
- Completed BMA seafarers’ document application form (which includes a section for the seaman’s book)
- Passport copy
- Two compliant photos following BMA’s photo guidelines
- Evidence of sea service or a letter of employment
- For officers: details of your CoC and, if relevant, your Bahamas endorsement application at the same time
Step 3: Submit via BORIS or through your crewing office
Most non-Bahamian seafarers cannot send hard copies directly. Instead, your company submits your application electronically through BORIS on your behalf.
If you are Bahamian, you may still use paper applications directly to the Nassau office, as BMA circulars explain.
Step 4: Keep track of the CRA and delivery
Once BMA accepts the application, BORIS issues a CRA. Keep a copy on your phone or in print. When the physical book arrives, check that all personal details and entries look correct.
What this means for your career
Because the Bahamas holds such a large share of the global cruise fleet and a solid slice of the merchant fleet, a Bahamas seaman’s book and endorsement often open more job doors. Employers also like the online BORIS system because it gives them 24/7 access to applications and receipts, which keeps port state control and charterers happy.
For seafarers following vacancies on SeaEmploy.com, you will notice many adverts that already mention “Bahamian endorsement preferred” or “Bahamas seaman’s book an advantage.” When you understand how the system works, you stand out in interviews as someone ready to join a Bahamian-flagged ship without drama.
