KINGSTON - Recognizing the need to regularize our maritime industry, Maritime Administrative Department (MARAD) was established in 2003, and I wish to place on record that the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana is highly appreciative of the strides made in this sector to our national development.
Today, we join the rest of the world to observe World Maritime Day under the theme “Maritime Education and Training”.
This theme is rather important and relevant in the general context as it relates to the further advancement of maritime transport. In every sector of our society, the human element is an indispensible component, whether it is industry or in the service sector.
Whenever maritime experts and practitioners in the field of maritime transport ensemble to examine issues relating maritime policy, technical cooperation, the formulation of global maritime policy, in response to maritime accidents or search and rescue operations, serious consideration is given to the human element. Many of the maritime accidents which occurred over the past three decades have been attributed to human error. Therefore, the call for the intensification of training of seafarers at the deck side as well as in the engine room has become louder.
Ships have become larger, and moretechnologically advanced. This means that our maritime workers must be kept abreast with new developments and innovations in the global maritime industry.
I am aware that Guyana has ratified the Standards of Training, Certification & Watchkeeping (STCW) 95 Convention. However, there is no locally accredited maritime institution to offer training for ship officers and engineers to function at internationally approved standards. Only the basic level training is done in keeping with the Convention.
However, the issuance of the certification is based on the approval of a Maritime Administration of a country that is on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) White List, relative to compliance with the standards outlined in the Convention (STCW 95).
As Minister with responsibility for maritime transport, I recognize the need for Guyana to make greater provision for the certification of its seafarers. In the 1970s, Guyana was arguably the lead maritime nation in the Caribbean.
Our Coastal Masters, those with the Home Trade Certification and International Certification were in high demand throughout the Region. This trend has changed rapidly. As a result, I have held discussion with MARAD with a view to exploring possible avenues for Guyana to acquire White Listed Status with the IMO.
Further, Guyana operates a shipping registry. Therefore, it is expected that the vessels which fly the Guyana flag would be manned by Guyanese seafarers. However, for our seafarers to be in a position to benefit from these opportunities, they must be adequately and appropriately trained and certified.
I am also advised that the Caribbean Maritime Institute in Jamaica collaborates with our local institutions to offer specialized training. At the international level, there is the World Maritime University in Malmo Sweden and the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta where some of our maritime personnel have been trained. However, there has been a great lapse with regard to continuous training.
This situation would be addressed through a well-developed programme aimed at improving the competencies of persons operating in the Ports and Shipping Industry of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Clearly, there could be no substitute for a well-trained and efficient work force.
Therefore, I feel compelled on this occasion of World Maritime Day 2015 to charge all stakeholders within the maritime industry of Guyana to collaborate with MARAD in working towards the harmonization of the applicable laws and international standards and practices; and to promote training initiatives which will enable maritime workers to become more equipped and better certified to perform their respective mandates and to confront the many challenges faced in the industry.
May this day be observed with purpose and commitment on everyone involved, and may this industry be transformed to the higher standards.
Happy World Maritime Day!
