Maritime deaths fell by just over half to 23 last year, according to the Maritime Administration Department (Marad), which recorded fewer accidents than the previous year.
At a Ministry of Public Works Performance and Review presentation on Friday, Marad Director Claudette Rogers noted that the total number of water-related deaths fell from 43 in 2013 to 23 deaths in 2014.
The deaths due to boat accidents in 2013 numbered 17, while for last year there were four. Deaths associated with piracy in 2013 numbered six, while anincrease was recorded with nine deaths last year. In addition, the number of deaths recorded due to “incidents” decreased by 50% with 10 deaths in 2014.
Rogers said the preliminary results from investigations of boat accidents revealed that they were caused as a result of unlicensed boats and unlicensed operators.
Meanwhile, with effect from January 1, 2015, Rogers said vessels operating in Guyana will be required to be fitted with a whistle or any other sound signalling appliance capable of producing the prescribed blasts. All vessels also have to be equipped with navigational lights that are to be exhibited from sunset to sunrise and from sunrise to sunset during conditions of restricted visibility.
Rogers also announced that the owners of vessels are now required to submit photographs of their vessels for the purpose of registration and licensing.
Rogers noted too that some 1,008 life jackets were issued to all the regions in Guyana as safety awareness programmes were carried out during 2014. Standees with safety tips are being placed at various stellings where boats operate.
