The Bahamian government is now enforcing a maritime pilot rule that makes the service a requirement for all vessels calling at the country’s ports. Even cruise ships visiting private destinations will be subject to the enforcement of the compulsory requirement, according to a report by The Tribune 242. The new measure was introduced earlier this month and is said to mark a major milestone for the maritime industry in the Bahamas, while adding to costs for cruise lines. He noted, however, that it was not previously enforced due to a shortage of qualified maritime pilots who were unable to meet the volume of incoming ships. “It brings regulation to the industry … pilots are pretty much at the top of the maritime industry, so by increasing pilot jobs, it trickles down, and you need more boat captains and deckhands,” Butler added.