THE MARITIME Au-thority of Jamaica wishes everyone a prosperous and peaceful new year. Last year held a number of landmarks for us, which include being placed on the "International Maritime Organisation's (IMO) White List", meeting the 15 per cent target for inspection of foreign vessels in Jamaican Ports, under the Caribbean Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control. We continue to be very active in ensuring the safe operation of vessels in the local boating community and the water sports industry.
Also, the Jamaica international ship registry was launched at the end of last year. This was successfully presented locally and in a number of strategic shipping locations in the United States, Europe and the Far East. From all, indications, our message was well received. Success of the Registry has far-reaching implications for economic growth and provision of employment for Jamaicans, directly and indirectly. We are also pleased to note that Jamaica entered into agreement with the Marine and Coast Guard Agency regarding reciprocal recognition of Jamaican Certificates of Competency, which means expanded opportunities for employment of Jamaican seafarers in the United Kingdom.
Additionally, to further strengthen our international position, we sought to ratify major IMO Conventions, two of which were done in September of 2000. These were the Tonnage Convention 1969 and the International Convention on Oil Pollution, Response and Preparedness 1990 (OPRC Convention).
The Tonnage Convention establishes standards for the assessment of tonnage of ships and is important for the purpose of port dues, harbour fees, pilotage and towage fees. The OPRC Convention provides a global framework for international co-operation of States to combat major incidents or threats of pollution by oil from ships.
This year we will be working assiduously for the growth and expansion of the Registry, the development of small vessels regulations, the development of procedures relating to the welfare of Jamaican seafarers as mandated by the Shipping Act, 1998, and the passing of the Shipping Pollution Bill, among other things. We also look forward to continued good relations with other interests in the maritime sector. We wish to also thank those, both locally and abroad, who have helped us to achieve our goals thus far - may you all have fair wind and following seas for the year 2001.
Rear Admiral Peter Brady, Director General, MAJ
