Guyanese exposed to Trinbago, BVI, US maritime training
─more opportunities available for 2020
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, January 22, 2020
The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is taking advantage of the training opportunities offered by both regional and international institutions to enhance its capacity and development.
Reflecting on their 2019 successes MARAD’s Director-General Claudette Rogers told DPI on Tuesday that the regulatory body was making strides regarding staff training.
“Two of them [MARAD’s ship inspectors] benefitted from the CASIT-training in Trinidad, and we have had another who went to the US who also benefitted from the Port State training there as well,” DG Rogers announced.
The Caribbean Ship Inspector Training course (CASIT) equips the Port State inspectors of the Maritime Administration with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge when boarding vessels that fly the Guyana flag.
They are equipped to ensure ship standards are maintained, that there is compliance with international codes and regulations, and to reduce accidents and marine pollution.
For 2020, DG Rogers said there were several educational opportunities available. The British Virgin Islands has extended an invitation to MARAD for inspectors to receive specialised training.
Upon returning to Guyana, successful maritime officers would then train cadets. This knowledge sharing allows MARAD to strengthen its core of workers to better meet its mandate of ensuring safety on Guyana’s waters.
DG Rogers cited the need for more technical officers within MARAD to bolster its capacity as the regulatory body continues to uphold its obligations under the International Maritime Organization and the laws of Guyana.
MARAD officers had also benefitted from training opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago in 2018.