The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA), one of the world’s leading flag states, has entered into a strategic partnership with IDsure, a digital credential platform, to enable the secure issuance of digital Seafarer Record Books and Competency Certificates.
This collaboration marks a significant step in the BMA’s ongoing digital transformation, enhancing efficiency, transparency, reducing its environmental footprint and security across the certification process for seafarers, ship managers, and training institutions.
Transforming Seafarer Services
Under the partnership, all issuance of Seafarer Record Books and related competency certificates will be handled through BMA’s existing online system (BORIS) and will be connected directly to IDsure’s secure identity-verification and credential platform.
Once a seafarer has been verified via the IDsure App, their digital Seafarer Record Book and certificates will be available instantly through their personal account. This eliminates delays, manual uploads, and paper-based procedures, offering a faster and more secure process for both seafarers and employers.
Ship and crew managers will also benefit from a simplified workflow: once the BMA approves an application, digital credentials can be issued without requiring additional passport photos or signatures.
Enhancing Oversight and Quality Assurance
The new integration also extends to BMA-approved training centres. With approximately 35 approved centres audited every five years, and thousands of Seafarer Record Books and certificates issued annually, the new connection between the BMA and these centres will enable automatic data exchange.
When an approved and connected training centre issues a certificate via IDsure, the BMA will immediately receive it at the authority level through BORIS. This capability provides stronger regulatory oversight and delivers significant value to training providers and the entire maritime community.
Commitment to Innovation and Service
“The Bahamas Maritime Authority is committed to continuous improvement and the responsible use of technology to enhance the services we provide to our seafarers and industry partners,” said Capt. Kapila Malawwethanthri, Deputy Director, Seafarers & Manning Department, BMA.
“Through this partnership with IDsure, we are strengthening our digital infrastructure and ensuring that our clients benefit from faster processes, secure verification, and a seamless digital experience.”
Integration between the BMA’s BORIS system and the IDsure platform is well underway and progressing as planned. The BMA has begun informing ship-owners, ship managers, and training institutions about the forthcoming digital issuance process, which will soon be available across its network.
“We will issue a further announcement when the new digital service is fully launched and available online within BORIS.”
