Pomeroon boat operators bemoan licensing requirements

Aug 11, 2017 News

Speed boat operators in the Pomeroon River, are now in fear as the Maritime Administration [MARAD], has reinforced its will to have all such operations within the Pomeroon licensed. Hire Boat operators believe that the licensing requirement implemented by MARAD, would not only impact boat operators, but by extension all persons living within the Pomeroon.
The operators are fearful, as they believe qualification for licensing, would be an added pressure on them economically. “This whole licensing thing is gonna be hard on us, because we don’t work for much. Someday we work for nothing and some other days we get a $5000. From that money we have to take care of operation and maintenance expenses. Most importantly, we have family to take care of with that cash, so it’s little or no money really.” Those were just some of the comments from frustrated operators.
Residents in the Pomeroon are bitter because of the high cost of living. As farming gradually declines, the economic tension has become ever more challenging. Residents then depend on their day to day hire boat operations to make an honest living. One operator reflected, “I used to farm, but the flood water threaten most of the farmlands in the Pomeroon. This left me with no choice but to go into this li’l boat business. The outboard engine use way more gasoline than a car, so it’s really expensive to put back gas into the business.”
MARAD on the other hand believes that current $10,550 is a fair price, noting that all other operators outside of the Pomeroon are subjected to pay $20,800. Commenting on the issue, one official from MARAD said, that “licensing is something that must be done.” The official emphasised, “Persons cannot be working on the waterways and they’re not certified. The regulators see it as a measure of greater security. Time and again discussions were held with these operators. When something goes wrong and a life is lost, we have to answer a lot of questions. The crushed family looks to us for all the answers.” MARAD indicates that any vessel powered by an outboard engine that is more than 5 horsepower (hs), with more than 10 ft. in length, has to be licensed.
Residents believe that in promoting safety, MARAD should place more emphasis on cleaning and ridding the Pomeroon River of obstacles. They explained, “The only reason it got boat accident in the Pomeroon River is because all them people throwing coconut husks, and all other obstacles in the river. We want MARAD to look at that, what are they doing to prevent that?”
MARAD explained once more that promoting safety to such an extent would require a significant amount of funds. The official explained, however, that MARAD is responsible for deploying navigational beacons, wherever necessary. “While we don’t embark on cleaning of rivers we do deal with the navigation aspect. Sections that need buoys are fitted with buoys and beacon lights for navigational purposes.” (Romario Blair)

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