The Shipping Act, which came into effect during 1994, provides a comprehensive scheme for the registration of ships under the Barbados flag and regulation of ships so registered. The Act generally covers all Barbados registered ships whoever the owners may be, but in certain matters distinguishes between Barbados owned ships and foreign ships, also governing activities of ships registered elsewhere when they are operating within Barbados territorial waters.
The Barbados Government joined the International Maritime Organisation in 1969 and became party to the principal conventions agreed to by the IMO and which are included by reference in the Shipping Legislation.
Along with the Shipping Act, Barbados enacted the Shipping (Oil Pollution) Act which establishes a code of regulations, enforcement procedures and liabilities for the discharge of oil anywhere in the world by Barbados registered ships.
