MARAD engages stakeholders to develop strategy for implementing IMO instruments
Stakeholders at the meeting
Stakeholders at the meeting

THE Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) on Wednesday convened a meeting along with stakeholders to develop an effective strategy to implement International Maritime Organisation (IMO) instruments.

Director-General of MARAD, Claudette Rogers, joined with consultant from the Global Maritime Consultants Group (GMCG), Gail Stoll; and the CEO of the International Register of Shipping (IRS), Bijimon Punnoose, to engage stakeholders in this regard.
Rogers explained that this meeting was arranged to kick off the Guyana International Member State Audit Scheme (GIMSAS) project; it comes on the heels of an audit which was conducted in February of this year. The audit of the maritime administration in Guyana looked at areas pertaining to IMO instruments and implementation of the triple I code, referring to coastal, flag and port state inspections.

“At the conclusion of the audit, there were four findings and one observation under general responsibilities and obligations of the state. Nine findings and two observations under flag-state activities; four findings and no observations under coastal state activities and five findings and no observations under port state activities.” Rogers explained. She also indicated that there was an equal number of good practices which were revealed, as well as areas where improvements could be facilitated.

IMO instruments are conventions and codes/rules, namely SOLAS, LSA code and MARPOL. The GMCG will play a critical role in assisting MARAD in moving towards corrective action for findings and strategic implementation. Gail Stoll, an overseas-based Guyanese, said her involvement in the project provides her with the opportunity to give back to the development of such an important sector in her home country. Stoll says she looks forward to seeing MARAD in Guyana become a model in the Caribbean.

“Indeed, such a mammoth task will not be possible without the valuable feedback and active support of the stakeholders who are here today; that is the reason why we are interacting with you, the well experienced and highly knowledgeable professionals who know the nitty-gritty of the maritime sector in and around Guyana.”

Bijimon Punnoose presented the scope of the project, its strategic objectives, flag, coastal and port state obligations, in addition to the IMO findings and observations which were discussed. Participants included representatives from MARAD, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure,the Transport and Harbours Department, the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, theCivil Defence Commission, the National Frequency Management Unit, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Agriculture. (DPI)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.