All Barbados registered ships are subject to the provisions of the Shipping Act 1994 and the Regulations concerning the competency of officers and seamen, contractual arrangements between master and crew, plus discipline and accommodation of crew. However, there are no statutory minimum wage requirements, nor statutory requirements with regard to the recognition of trade unions, this being left to the owner’s and seamen’s discretion.
Every foreign going ship must carry certificated deck and engineers/officers in accordance with STCW 78 as amended in 1995. The manning scale for the size and type of ship is subject to the approval of the Principal Registrar who will issue the Minimum Safe Manning Certificate.
In order to assist owners in alleviating the problem of manpower shortages, foreign officers and ratings may crew foreign going Barbados ships providing that the officers hold a valid medical certificate of competency complying with STCW78/95 and a valid medical certificate allowing the issuance of the Barbados Officers Endorsement Document.
Should the officer’s certificate be in a foreign language, it should also be accompanied by a certified English translation.
Whilst seamen ratings may be of any nationality, experienced Barbados seamen in various capacities are available if required for service on-board Barbados flag-ships at competitive rates.
