Safe marine practices at the centre of World Maritime Day observance

Sep 26, 2013 News

As Guyana joins the rest of the globe, in observance of World Maritime Day, today, workers of the local Maritime Administration Department, (MARAD) will be conducting sanitation drives and safety discussions with mainstream boat operators.
Speaking with Kaieteur News, yesterday, Communications Officer of the department, Akusa Mc Pherson stated that MARAD is fixed on promoting safe marine practices.

General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department, Marcellene Merchant

McPherson explained that the activity is part of MARAD’s continued endorsement of safe and healthy practices within the waterways.
“The department will host a sanitation drive (today) where hygienic products will be distributed to boat operators especially those providing transportation service to the public.
Marine Cadets will be actively involved in the exercise, as they will engage boat operators on the importance of safe practices on the waterways.
Flyers on safety regulations will also be distributed to encourage the operators to provide a more improved and comfortable service to the public. We will target the main ports, where public transport is based,” Mc Pherson said.
The Communications Officer said that the MARAD team will visit Georgetown, Vreed-en-Hoop and Parika.
General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department, TH&D Marcellene Merchant commended seafaring workers under the command of TH&D, citing that “there have been no major hiccups with vessels operating under the department, providing a service to the public.”
“We are grateful, that TH&D workers are still able to provide a relatively safe service, given the challenges. Despite, the age of the vessels and the sometimes rough terrains, extreme weather conditions and sometimes mechanical and technical problems, we have recorded no major tragedies, TH&D seafaring workers have always been able to deliver even in the face of extreme challenges…”
Merchant explained that TH&D currently services nine commercial vessels.
Among them is the Lady Northcote which is the oldest seagoing vessel, with 76 years, providing service to the public.
Marine Superintendant, Garfield Halley, noted that in keeping with providing an effective, efficient and balanced service, TH&D has embarked on training females to deliver prime maritime work.
“In addition to the men involved in the marine cadet course for the first time, six women are being trained to become ferry captains, pilots and inspectors.”
He explained that the training has been ongoing.
“The marine cadets train for four years, and serve the department for five years …Certificates are recognized regionally and once this is attained, it builds the foundation for international accreditation.”
He held that the observance of safe practices at sea, will contribute to the low incidence of river mishaps.
“Accidents occur because of ignorance and failure to comply or adhere with the regulations put in place by the Maritime administration… Observing and adhering to the simple rules could result in a reduction of the incidences.”
To mark the occasion, TH&D will honour two of its most outstanding workers. World Maritime Day 2013 is observed under the theme: “Sustainable development international Maritime Organization (IMO)’s contribution beyond Rio+20.”

TH&D Marine Superintendant, Garfield Halley

The theme was chosen to focus the international Maritime Organization efforts during 2013 on carrying out the commitments made at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development, better known as Rio+20, held in June 2012 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
General Secretary of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Mr Koji Sekimizu posited that the future, mankind’s development must be sustainable.
“Central to any future development is the global supply chain, the complex mechanism that enables today’s inter-dependent, global economy to function. The maritime sector is a vital link in that chain.”