THE Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), in observance of World Maritime Day 2014, on Thursday hosted a marine exhibition at the Transport and Harbours Department’s Head Office on Battery Road, Kingston.

There, special awards were presented by Public Works Minister, Robeson Benn to speed boat captains and bowmen who have performed commendably in offering a quality service to the public.

World Maritime Day is celebrated under the theme: “International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Conventions: Effective Implementations”.

Benn, in remarks, said that MARAD has an extremely important role to play in respect to assuring Guyana’s economy functions in relation to port infrastructure, security, dredging of the harbours and channels, and training of pilots and mariners.

He urged that attention be paid to compliance, since MARAD is tasked with implementation of the IMO compliances and there is lagging. He said that in achieving compliance and on-the-ground activities, as well as ensuing maritime security and ISPS codes, MARAD officers must be aware they have been working with the US Coast Guard in port security and ISPS regulations.

He noted that he was, however, pleased with the advance made in MARAD and T&HD, and a greater awareness and the overall sustainability of Guyana’s shipping.

The minister pointed out it is known that Guyana is an export led country, and most of our produce is exported in bulk through ports and harbours.

Benn said the work of MARAD mariners, pilots and the agency is critical in acquiring livelihood of our people and economy.

He emphasised the practice of safety on our waterways, which have also become the responsibility of MARAD and a difficult area of which they haven’t had appreciation in terms of operating in a safe environment.

Benn said, “We are greatly distressed when we have the loss of lives on the sea, and MARAD was given the imperative to improve the safety standard on boats and vessels at sea and on our waterways.”

He added that MARAD is also engaged in awareness campaigns on the promotion of safety in schools, and has since visited several far-flung interior villages to distribute more than 1,000 life jackets.

The minister told the gathering that time must be taken to recognise those who have lost their lives at sea, and also those who were killed in river accidents. He urged the gathering to lend support to the families who are left in great distress after these incidents.

He was, however, pleased with the efforts of MARAD and T&HD for the improvements made in that sector, and disclosed that they would be acquiring another pilot vessel to boost their fleet.

Benn stated that dredging of the Essequibo River with their vessel “Steve N”, training of marine cadets, development of the deep water port in Berbice, and the future development of the Demerara Harbour are all highlights of MARAD.

Also, making remarks were Director of Maritime, Stephen Thomas, and Director of Administration/Research and Development, Ernestine Vigilance.

Yesterday’s exhibition featured the work of MARAD and T&HD, as well as safety practices among other things which highlighted the activities of maritime.