River deaths, accident reduced amidst clampdown

Dec 06, 2018 News

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has embarked on several safety initiatives in 2018 to reduce accidents on the waterways of Guyana.
Some of the initiatives taken involved training and certification exercises for passenger vessel operators in Regions One, Two, Seven and Eight, and enforcement activities along the riverain areas of the country.

MARAD will be implementing new safety measures in the New Year in an effort to minimize accidents occurring on the waterways of Guyana.

The enforcement activities were a collaborative effort between MARAD and the GDF Coast Guard.
Additionally, operators were also given an opportunity to visit MARAD’s Safety Centres located in Bartica, Mabaruma, and Charity, to commence the process of certification so as to operate their vessels on the waterways.
The total number of boat operators receiving Harbour and River Competency Licenses so far, stemming from training in the hinterland areas is 65.
“As a result of these initiatives, the Department has seen a reduction in river accidents and deaths so far in 2018, when compared to 2017. In 2018, there were four deaths from January to October, whereas in 2017, nine deaths were recorded during the same period,” MARAD disclosed.
In the case of persons sustaining injuries as a result of river accidents, during the period, January to October 2018, only three were recorded, as compared to seven for 2017.
The total number of river accidents recorded so far for this year is five, whereas in 2017, 18 was recorded for that year.

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