IN 2003, THE Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) will continue to strive to meet its objectives regarding improved ship safety, effective Port State Control (PSC) and compliance with international regulatory requirements for shipping in Jamaican waters. As the focal point for national representation at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the MAJ will facilitate the development of new maritime security requirements of the SOLAS Convention for the "Suppression of Acts of Terrorism against Shipping" this includes the introduction of the International Ship and Port Security Code to the local industry.
With the spectre before us of the recent environmental catastrophe off the coast of Spain, a prime ongoing challenge continues to be the enforcement of shipping standards that will ensure continued protection of our beaches and the livelihood of all who depend upon a clean, sustainable marine environment. Therefore, I am pleased to report that MAJ has once again exceeded its annual target under the PSC programme and intends to maintain this level of achievement in 2003.
The MAJ has now assumed full responsibility for the Caribbean PSC Secretariat, with its recent transfer to Kingston, and looks forward to providing strong regional leadership in 2003 following from the successful Caribbean PSC workshop in Ocho Rios.
With these advances and as MAJ begins extensive marketing of the Jamaica Ship Registry out of London, we can look forward to the development of Jamaica as shipping centre for the Caribbean and worldwide.
Rear Admiral Peter Brady
Director-General
Maritime Authority of Jamaica
