Dear Editor,
I crave your indulgence in allowing me to respond to the recent accusations levelled against the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) in a letter published in the Wednesday, December 20, 2023 edition of the Stabroek News under the heading “Unhappy with Maritime Department”. The letter alluded to protracted wait times and the need to make several trips to the office in Kingston to uplift vessel licences and Certificates of Inspections (CoI).
It must be noted that the process for licences and CoIs requires verification by three departments and it is a two-step process. This means that due diligence is required at every stage and necessitates two business days. Unfortunately, this process is often delayed when the office is awaiting relevant documentation from individuals. Whenever this occurs, operators are often given the option to electronically submit the required documents via email or WhatsApp to expedite the process. Upon the successful completion of Step One, inspections are scheduled at a mutually agreed-upon date after the necessary approvals are received. However, for vessels operating in the Essequibo River, inspections are conducted every Wednesday. The information from the inspection is then documented and the certificates are processed within three business days.
Customers are also encouraged to visit MARAD’s offices at Mabaruma, Charity, Bartica, and New Amsterdam to submit and uplift vessel licences and CoIs. MARAD has extensively, through several public awareness campaigns, conducted throughout the country educated operators on the requirements for making such applications. Persons are also encouraged to visit our website or call to be apprised of the required documentation to ensure the timely processing of their applications. MARAD is committed to the safety of life on our waterways and will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that vessels and their operators are properly certified. “To ensure the safety of ships and offshore operations, the protection of the marine environment and the administration of the ports and harbours through a competent and committed workforce.”
Sincerely,
Thalissa McClure
Public Communication Officer