Name of the Organization : Port Department
Type of Facility : Applying For Class “A” Master Licence
Country : Bahamas
Website : https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/wps/porta…vZ0FBIS9nQSEh/
Applying For Class “A” Master Licence :
The Bahamas is considered one of the leading maritime nations in the Caribbean. To maintain this prolific status we must play an increasingly prominent part in qualifying Bahamian mariners to meet international standards.
Related : Port Department Bahamas Applying For Class ‘B’ Master Licence : www.statusin.org/6342.html
Eligibility :
Must be a Bahamian citizens or resident.
Process :
To acquire a Class A Master Licence applicant fulfil all requirements of the syllabus:
** Boat Registration & Merchant Shipping Acts
** The Nautical Chart & Chart Projections
** Nautical Rules of the Road
** Seamanship & Boat handling
** Measuring and Plotting Latitude and Longitude
** Calculating Dead Reckoning Position, Course, and Distances
** Compensation for Wind, Tidal, and Ocean Currents
** Deck Safety, Cargo Stowage, and Handling
** Basic Ship Construction
** Weather Patterns
** Electronic Navigation
** First Aid, Safety & Fire fighting
** Interested persons may send written requests to the Port Department for the Class A Master Licence training. Alternatively, interested persons may cover the syllabus using a port-recognised organisation.
** Requests may be submitted through Family Island port offices, but the training is conducted in Nassau.
** Once the syllabus has been completed, the applicant must successfully pass a written examination.
** To write the exam the applicant must fill out and submit an application form, and pay the examination fee when application is submitted. At this point, the applicant must provide all necessary supporting documents listed below.
** Applications may be submitted through Family Island port offices, but the examination is conducted in Nassau.
** The Port Department will then contact the applicant with his/her assigned test date.
** The written examination comprises of six 100 multiple choice questions, eight chart plotting exercises (also multiple choice questions), and two 500 ton upgrade chart plotting examinations. The passing grade for the multiple choice section is 70% and for the chart work 90%.
** The applicant must also successfully pass a boat practical exercise. Potential mariners should be capable of manoeuvring a vessel without supervision. As to the stipulated restrictions, an individual may obtain a higher licence based on the vessel being used to carry out this exercise.
** Individuals are to provide a vessel of their choice. Restrictions could then be based on the size of the vessel the applicant is skilled in operating.
** Upon successful completion of the written examination and the practical boat exercise, the applicant must then submit an application to the Port Department for A Class “A” Master Licence.
** Once application has been processed the Port Department will issue the Class “A” Master Licence.
Application Form(s) :
Application for Masters Licence Examination Under the Boat Registration Act 1961 – Application for A Masters Licence. The application form may be collected at any of the Port Department Offices as outlined below.
Supporting Documents :
500 Tons Class “A” Master’s Licence:
** Must be a holder of a 200 Tons Class “A” Licence
** Must have completed two years onboard a Class “A” vessel
100/200 Tons Class “A” Master’s Licence:
** Must be a holder of a Class “B” Licence
** Must be STCW certified
** Must produce evidence of sea time of no less than three (3) months
** Police Record
** Proof of Citizenship
** Photo Identification
Turn-around time :
A Class “A” Master Licence may be acquired in one to three months. The examination is scheduled based on the number of person requesting the licence.
Deadline :
There is no deadline associated with this service.
Related Fee(s) :
There is an examination fee of $30.
For more information please contact :
Any of the offices listed below, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
New Providence Offices:
Prince George Wharf
P.O. Box N-8175
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 322-1596 or 326-7654
Fax. (242) 322-5545
Dock Master’s Office:
Potter’s Cay
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 393-1064
Fax. (242) 394-1240
Grand Bahama Office:
P.O. Box F 2044
Freeport, Grand Bahama
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 352-9163
Fax. (242) 351-4538
Abaco Office:
P.O. Box Ab 20922
Marsh Harbour, Abaco
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 367-0038
Fax. (242) 367-0041