This department operates in accordance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and was established and regulated in 2003 under the 1997 Merchant Shipping Act.

According to its Director Claudette Rogers, the department embraces the motto – safer ships, cleaner oceans.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Registering and licensing ships
  • Pilotage Hydrographic surveys
  • Accident Investigation
  • Search and Rescue recovery

Due to the inundation of ships to Guyana’s shores, MARAD is party to a number of IMO Conventions that include Safety of Life At Sea (SOLAS); Standard of Training, Certification and Watch keeping Of Seafarers (STCW) and Marine Pollution (MAR), among others.

The Department also offers around-the-clock pilotage service.