THE MARITIME Authority of Jamaica's (MAJ) is continuing its annual inspection of small vessels operating in Jamaican waters, with about 300 vessels already given a clean bill of health and six rejected for not meeting the required standards.
Inspections, which started in January, have been completed in Montego Bay and Negril. A report from the MAJ outlined that harbour certificates were issued to 124 boats in Montego Bay and 207 in Negril, while sea going certificates were given to two boats in Montego Bay and 10 in Negril. In addition, 24 coxswains were examined for either first time boat licence or to upgrade their horsepower category.
The majority of the vessels inspected were small passenger vessels in the watersports industry and other commercial boats.
During the safety inspections, vessels are checked to ensure that they are equipped with proper safety and fire suppressant equipment, the hull and machinery is in good condition and that boat operators are competent, among other things. Additionally, MAJ Inspectors also discuss operational safety matters with the boat operators and advise them on how to address these issues along with technical advice on vessel maintenance and operation.
Registrar of Ships and Seamen at MAJ, Seymour Harley, explained that vessel owners have been making an effort to have all the necessary requirements in place, adding that each
year there were some that did not meet all the specified criteria.
"Most were in readiness for inspection. They were in proper working order, had life jackets in good condition on board, fire extinguishers in place and flares where appropriate," Mr. Harley said.
Mr. Harley said the owners of the vessels had up to a year to make the necessary improvements and also had the option to invite the marine surveyors and inspectors before the scheduled annual inspections to get their vehicles passed.
He said they are not permitted to operate without the MAJ safety certificates and the Marine Police could take action against persons found in breach. However, he said the fines to offenders were nominal and did not offer any disincentives a matter likely to be reversed with amendments to current legislation.
MAJ's Director of Safety, Environment and Certification, Captain Robin Lee, said the vessel safety inspection programme, now in its third year, was aimed at ensuring that vessels comply with Government safety regulations designed to safeguard crew and passengers, many of whom are tourists visiting Jamaica for the first time.
He said the issue of vessel safety would remain a priority for the MAJ, as mandated by the Shipping Act 1998 that governs MAJ's operations.
Other inspections are scheduled to take place in Ocho Rios, March 12 to 16 and Portland on March 30.
