Government’s push to improve safety on Guyana’s waterways took another step forward with the awarding of licences and Certificates of Competency Master yesterday to 79 boat operators from Malali and Muritaro following a safety sensitisation and evaluation conducted by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), a Department of Public Information (DPI) release informed yesterday.
Of the 79 operators, 43 were from Malali, while 36 were from Muritaro.
The awarding of the licences and certificates, the release explained, indicates that the operators have demonstrated the necessary skills and knowledge to safely and effectively operate small craft along the river. Toshao of Malali, Hanun Chattergoon, expressed gratitude for the development, highlighting that it enhances safety and provides the necessary documentation for water travel.
Echoing similar sentiments, Toshao of Muritaro, Owen Bowling, noted the boost in confidence among operators from his village compared to previously operating without licences and commended President Irfaan Ali for his timely intervention.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, who officiated at the presentation ceremony, stated the government’s dedication to improving water transport and infrastructure in Guyana, particularly with the growing importance of the oil and gas sector in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). He also highlighted ongoing developments such as the construction of a deep-water harbour at Palmyra in the Berbice area, aimed at boosting river traffic.
Edghill also announced that Bosai has received MARAD’s approval to operate major vessels for transporting bauxite to an Atlantic location, and subsequently to international waters. Initially, operations will involve two self-propelled barges, with plans for an additional two, thereby increasing river traffic.
Amidst this expansion, he stressed the necessity for all operators to be certified to meet the rising demand.
“With that kind of operation, we have to ensure that everybody that is operating understands safety. We have a responsibility to ensure that persons who are operating are certified with this growing demand.”
Meanwhile, MARAD Director General, Stephen Thomas also emphasised the importance of certification, particularly in the tourism sector, ensuring safe operations that appeal to tourists seeking certified boats.
“Our goal is to ensure safe operations, especially with the booming tourism sector. Tourists always ask if the boats they use are certified, and we want to position our communities to benefit from this,” he stated.
In addition to the certificates and awards, some 250 life jackets were distributed to operators, further bolstering safety measures on the waterways, the release added.
