Two representatives from the Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), along with participants from 22 other countries across the region, were recently trained in marine accident and incident investigation.

Kenneth Augier, legal officer, and Lieutenant Commander Henry Tomlinson, marine inspector, were in St. Kitts from April 18-24 for the specialist training.

The course was an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) model course, aimed at assisting maritime administrations across the region to strengthen their marine casualty investigation capabilities, while creating uniformity among states in how they carry out these investigations.

The MAJ, the national focal point for the IMO, has as one of its primary responsibilities under the Shipping Act 1998, the investigation of marine accidents and incidents. This responsibility is carried out by the MAJ's team of marine surveyors and inspectors whose knowledge and skills are kept sharpened by attendance at such courses and in-house refresher training. The Maritime Authority of Jamaica also assists other member-states of CARICOM in conducting investigations into serious marine casualties.