The Bahamas ship medical chest regulation

Flag of the Bahamas

Regulation at a glance

Last verified · 31 August 2026

StatusBahamas Maritime Authority Marine Notice 41, version 1.2, effective 1 November 2023.
Applies toBahamian ships within the scope of Marine Notice 41.
Medical chest basisThe WHO International Medical Guide for Ships and Quantification Addendum, read together with the applicable UK MSN 1905 medical-stores requirements.
Regulatory relationNational Regulation + WHO-based + MSN 1905-based.

The Bahamas Maritime Authority sets the national requirements through Marine Notice 41. The vessel’s category, voyage, persons on board and cargo determine the appropriate medical inventory.

Disclaimer: This page is a practical overview and not legal advice. Always check the current flag-state notices and vessel-specific requirements.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

01 · Confirm applicability

Bahamian ships within the scope of Marine Notice 41.

02 · Select the correct scale

The WHO International Medical Guide for Ships and Quantification Addendum, read together with the applicable UK MSN 1905 medical-stores requirements.

03 · Maintain compliant stores

Keep medicines, medical equipment and first-aid supplies complete, in date and ready for use.

04 · Verify before inspection

Check the current official sources and vessel particulars before supply, replenishment or certification.

Regulatory framework
National Regulation + WHO-based + MSN 1905-based.
The flag-state’s current legislation and notices determine the final vessel-specific requirements.
!
Dangerous goods & IMDG

Check cargo-specific medical-store requirements

Where dangerous goods are carried, review cargo-specific medical-store requirements and the current IMDG Code alongside this flag-state framework. The applicable flag-state rules remain controlling.

Open official IMO IMDG page ↗

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Keep the statutory basis and vessel-specific working records together so the medical chest can be checked efficiently on board.

Primary legislation
Bahamas Maritime Authority Marine Notice 41, version 1.2, effective 1 November 2023.
Vessel-specific scale
Applicable medical-store requirements
The WHO International Medical Guide for Ships and Quantification Addendum, read together with the applicable UK MSN 1905 medical-stores requirements.
On-board working file
Inventory, expiry and vessel details
Maintain a current vessel-specific overview for replenishment and compliance checks.
✓
Compliance evidence
Inspection and certificate evidence
Retain the inspection, certificate or verification evidence required by the applicable flag-state rules.

HOW SEAFARMA CAN HELP

Seafarma can translate the applicable requirements into a practical vessel-specific supply, inspection and delivery workflow.

Scale review
Identify the applicable medical-store framework and vessel category.
Supply and replenishment
Prepare medicines, equipment and first-aid supplies for the applicable scale.
Inspection preparation
Support inventory checks and readiness for the applicable inspection process.
Ship delivery & agent coordination
Arrange worldwide delivery to the vessel and coordinate ETA, berth, agent details and handover instructions.

ALSO READ WITH

Dangerous Goods

When the vessel is carrying dangerous goods, the medical chest should also be in accordance with the following regulation:

get in touch

Seafarma can supply medical stores in accordance with Bahamas Marine Notice 41 and can assist with inspection and certification. For offers, orders or quotations, please contact our staff.

Contact us