Legislation was passed in the House of Assembly for new seafarer medical examination certificate fees.

The fees will be implemented by the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority.

The Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 2024 was read in the House by Wayne Furbert, the Minister of Transport.

Mr Furbert said under Maritime Labour Conventions, implemented in 2016, all seafarers must undergo medical examinations, geared to improve and safeguard all personnel health and safety.

He said that in 2008 the BMSA established a seafarers medical examinations programme to allow company-appointed doctors to carry out medical exams and issue medical certificates to seafarers working on Bermuda-registered ships.

Mr Furbert said that since then, the programme has been extended to 33 medical facilities, with each required to be audited every five years. The BMSA has also improved its mandate, including its administrative capability, to ensure the programme’s effectiveness.

Under the new regulation, an initial fee of $6,000 will be charged for an Approved Seafarer Medical Examination Programme (SMEP) certificate.

Mr Furbert said that at present no fees are charged for the administrative services associated with the programme.

On Friday, the House also approved the Voluntary Registration of Vital Documents (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill 2024.

The Bill, which was taken to the House by Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs, makes provisions to allow for the voluntary registration of births, deaths, marriages and domestic partnerships outside Bermuda.

It makes provisions for amendments to the Marriage Act 1944, the Registration (Births and Deaths) Act 1949, the Registrar-General (Recording of Documents) Act 1955 and the Domestic Partnership Act 2018.