The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) plans to expand the establishment of safety centres in 2018, the Department of Public Information reported yesterday.
Speaking on the department’s future plans at a recent forum, Director-General of MARAD, Claudette Rogers said, in addition to the safety centres in Bartica, Charity and Mabaruma, two other centres are scheduled this year for New Amsterdam and Linden.
Rogers emphasised that the safety centres are pivotal because of the number of accident reports involving small boats. Many of these mishaps are as a result of speeding, recklessness and negligence of uncertified operators, operating unlicensed boats, who do not comply with safety standards.