The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has made public the operating procedures of its Coast Guard Department. The GDF is providing this information for the general public, particularly vessel operators traversing Guyana’s waterways.

* Coast Guard is authorised to conduct law enforcement on all rivers in Guyana.

* Coast guard is authorised to enforce maritime safety regulations in all rivers in Guyana.

* Enforcement of safety regulations are to be conducted at departure and arrival points.

* Passenger vessels are not to be stopped by Coast Guard operatives while under way in rivers to enforce safety regulations.

* Passenger vessels carrying cargo are not to be stopped by Coast Guard operatives while under way in rivers to ensure safety regulations.  

* Small fishing vessels are not to be stopped by Coast Guard operatives while under way in rivers to ensure safety and fishing regulations.

* Coast Guard operatives are not authorised to request or demand from vessel owners and operators rides, gasoline, money, fuel or any such item.

* Coast Guard is authorised to stop any vessel at any time if the vessel and its occupants are suspected of illegal actions.

* Coast Guard operatives must issue vessel owners and or operatives with a citation detailing the maritime offence and the time by which it must be remedied.

* Coast Guard must immediately hand over all items, if removed, whether under way or at a port to the police as evidence.

* Coast Guard must hand over all persons, if arrested, immediately to the police for further investigation.

* Vessel owners and or operators must report all Coast Guard infractions immediately to Coast Guard headquarters.

* Coast Guard operatives are to provide identification when requested by the public and Coast Guard operatives must have visible identification badges. (GINA)