2. What are the penalties for practicing professional engineering in The Bahamas without a valid license?
Any individual practicing professional engineering without a valid registration certificate commits an offence under the
Professional Engineers Act 2004, and is subject to fine and imprisonment. If the offender offers professional engineering services to the public,
additional penalties would apply in accordance with the appropriate provisions of the Business License Act and the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, and
their associated amendments.
3. How can I contact the Board?
Communications to the Board may be sent by telephone, post or electronic mail via the following contacts:
Postal Address:
Professional Engineers Board
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
#3 21st Century Road
P.O. Box N-3817
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Postal Address:
Professional Engineers Board
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas
#3 21st Century Road
P.O. Box N-3817
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Telephone: (242) 328-3574
6. Who may apply under the BIPE or Grandfather Clause?
The deadline for consideration of a new application under Section 9.2 subsections (c) and (e) under the Act was June 24, 2010. Applicants seeking registration may no longer qualify for registration under these subsections.
7. When will notification of registration be issued?
The Board will notify Applicants by mail within 30 days after determination of an application. The public will be notified of the names of approved engineers entered into the Register of Professional Engineers posting in the official Gazette publication in accordance with the Act.
8. Can a foreign engineer practice professional engineering in The Bahamas?
A foreign engineer may be authorized to practice professional engineering within The Bahamas if approved for registration
upon application as a Temporary Engineer. The foreign engineer must be associated with and work through a Bahamas-registered Professional
Engineer. The application for temporary registration must be associated with a specific project, and may be approved for a maximum term of six
months. Other requirements are described in Sections (9), (10) and (11) of the Act. Please consult the Board’s official website at
www.pebahamas.org for further information and requirements.
9. I am qualified to practice in several disciplines of engineering. Do I have to submit multiple applications?
Applicants must indicate on the application form for which engineering discipline(s) the application should be considered.
Approved registration is granted for a specific discipline. Fees are assessed for each additional discipline.
Consult the application form at the Board’s official website at www.pebahamas.org for additional information.
11. Once approved how long is my registration valid?
All registration certificates expire on the 31st of December of each year. Registered engineers are required to submit an application for renewal of their license. An engineer’s registration may be renewed if upon application: (1) they remain in good standing (i.e no outstanding disciplinary complaints, actions or orders), (2) all fees are current and paid, and (3) continuing education requirements have been met, and (4) there is no substantial change in qualification status in accordance with Sections 9 and 10 of the Act.
12. How do I minimize queries and delays to review and approval my application?
It is recommended that in order to minimize queries and processing delays Applicants thoroughly review the Act and its amendments, the requisite application forms, and the FAQs prior to making application. Application submissions should be complete, and all required signed original or notarized documents and photographs must be included. Application fees must be included with the submission. If fees are not paid in full, the application will not be processed, and may be returned without further consideration.
17. I am a General Contractor, or an engineer employed by a general contractor, executing the construction of works designed by a Professional Engineer. Do I have to be registered?
Professional engineers are involved in all phases of the life cycle execution of engineered works. Under the Act, professional engineering is defined as the act of designing, planning, directing or supervising, or managing any engineering works which requires the application of engineering principles and that concerns the safeguarding of life, health, property, economic interest, the public welfare or the environment". If a person undertakes the practice of professional engineering, he is required to be registered in accordance with the Act.
19. What are the requirements for continuing education?
All registered engineers would be required to complete continuing education requirements in accordance with renewal guidelines. These requirements are currently being developed and will be included in the Regulations published well in advance of the 2012 renewal cycle.
20. My engineering supervisor is not a registered engineer, but he sometimes makes final decisions or
gives me instructions on technical matters?
In accordance with Section 22, subsections (1) and (3) of the Act, no person shall undertake the practice of professional engineering unless he has a valid registration certificate, or is practicing under the supervision, direction or control of a registered engineer. A registered engineer is required to act in a professional and ethical manner, as described in the Code of Professional Conduct (See Section 13 (Second Schedule) of the Act).
22. I need to find a registered engineer – can the Board tell me if an engineer is qualified to work on my project?
The Board registers engineers for practice within a specific discipline. It is the responsibility of the project owner, client or employer to determine if the engineer possesses the appropriate competence, expertise and experience to execute the specific project. It is unethical for an engineer to undertake work which he is not competent to perform by virtue of his engineering training or professional experience.
23. I did not know that the law was being enforced – what must I do?
The Professional Engineers Act was enacted in 2004, and enforcement is underway. All persons must comply in accordance with the Act. The Board encourages engineers, employers of engineers, project/facility owners and the general public to consult our website at www.pebahamas.org, for information.
