TWO officers from the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) successfully completed the Caribbean Ship Inspector Training (CASIT) programme during the period October 29 – November 16, 2018, in Trinidad and Tobago.

The two officers who attended were Sherry-Ann Wilson and Trey Simon, who served in the capacities as Port State Control Officer/Marine Pilot Trainee, and Marine Officer, respectively, at the Ports and Harbours division.

In a release, MARAD said among the forty persons from thirteen Caribbean member states, and four territories which participated in the programme, Guyana emerged at the top in its performance and evaluation sessions which will prepare participants for the Diploma course that is offered online.

Sherry-Ann Wilson gained 100 per cent while Trey Simon achieved 93 per cent in their respective evaluations.
The CASIT programme is designed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to train Flag and Port State Inspectors. This training helps to ensure that ship standards are maintained and that there is compliance with international codes and regulations; also, with the aim of reducing accidents and marine pollution.

The programme was aimed at preparing participants to function in their respective administrations as Flag State and Port State Officers. Trainees will be able to perform Flag State Inspections (FSI) on all ships under 24 meters in length and carry out annual and renewal surveys on vessels up to 500 Gross Tonnage (GT).