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THE Maritime Administration Department refers to articles in the print media and wishes to inform the public of the following: Firstly, a preliminary investigation was conducted immediately into this most unfortunate accident and the facts are that on the day of the accident, both vessels were travelling close to the left bank of the river on a reciprocal or nearly reciprocal course when they collided.
The collision was caused by one or both captains of the vessels having failed to observe the international regulation for preventing collision at sea and the Guyana shipping act of 1998 Sect 225 (1).
Secondly, our investigation revealed that at the time of the collision, it was raining but that did not obscure the captains’ visibility.
There were a number of breaches which were found to be in violation of the Collision Regulations such as:
* Rule 5 – Failing to maintain a proper look out at all times.
* Rule 6 – Proceeding at a safe speed so as to take proper and effective action to avoid collision.
* Rule 14 – Failing to alter the vessel’s course to starboard
* Failing to render assistance to operator and passengers.
Prior to this incident, officials from the Maritime Administration Department paid visits and held awareness seminars with operators and passengers in Pomeroon, conducted boat inspections, and issued licences to operators.
The administration also distributed life jackets to some residents in Charity and Moruca areas.
Periodic visits have been made by representatives from MARAD who are currently seeking to upgrade those vessels which transport passengers in that region and to hold training sessions for boat operators.
Although MARAD officials encountered some resistance from residents residing in the Pomeroon areas, we remain committed to our responsibility of ensuring safe operational practices as we strive to minimize maritime accidents on our waterways.
By way of letter dated December 20, 2012, MARAD has advised the Commander ‘G’ Division to commence instituting certain charges in keeping with the requisite regulations relative to this incident.
Finally, there is an ongoing effort to make boat operators more aware of safety requirements and to improve on the quality of their services to the travelling public.
Some six commuters perished when two boats collided in the Pomeroon River recently.
The collision was caused by one or both captains of the vessels having failed to observe the international regulation for preventing collision at sea and the Guyana shipping act of 1998 Sect 225 (1).
Secondly, our investigation revealed that at the time of the collision, it was raining but that did not obscure the captains’ visibility.
There were a number of breaches which were found to be in violation of the Collision Regulations such as:
* Rule 5 – Failing to maintain a proper look out at all times.
* Rule 6 – Proceeding at a safe speed so as to take proper and effective action to avoid collision.
* Rule 14 – Failing to alter the vessel’s course to starboard
* Failing to render assistance to operator and passengers.
Prior to this incident, officials from the Maritime Administration Department paid visits and held awareness seminars with operators and passengers in Pomeroon, conducted boat inspections, and issued licences to operators.
The administration also distributed life jackets to some residents in Charity and Moruca areas.
Periodic visits have been made by representatives from MARAD who are currently seeking to upgrade those vessels which transport passengers in that region and to hold training sessions for boat operators.
Although MARAD officials encountered some resistance from residents residing in the Pomeroon areas, we remain committed to our responsibility of ensuring safe operational practices as we strive to minimize maritime accidents on our waterways.
By way of letter dated December 20, 2012, MARAD has advised the Commander ‘G’ Division to commence instituting certain charges in keeping with the requisite regulations relative to this incident.
Finally, there is an ongoing effort to make boat operators more aware of safety requirements and to improve on the quality of their services to the travelling public.
Some six commuters perished when two boats collided in the Pomeroon River recently.
