In a bid to ensure vessels are operated safely in Guyana waters, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has announced that all vessels will be required to have a bottom inspection at least twice every five years.
The requirement, though not new, is being done in accordance with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974 regulation, the Guyana Shipping (Small Commercial Ship Safety) Regulations, and Guyana Shipping (Cargo Ship Survey) Regulations.
MARAD’s Director of Safety John Flores on Friday related that the move is to improve safety on the sea as in the past vessels would have sunk and it requires resources to salvage them.