MARAD head says training, certification of seafarers high on agenda
─legal and administrative framework to be developed
Guyana is poised to become fully compliant with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers through the development of its legal and administrative framework.
Director-General (DG) of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) Mr. Stephen Thomas, in an interview with the Department of Public Information on his new role, said these priorities are high on their agenda.
Director General of the MARAD, Stephen Thomas
“The oil industry brings multi-thousands of jobs, and we really want our young people – men and women – to benefit from those relatively high paying jobs. We envisage a training regime that will cater for all our young people,” he said.
Mr. Thomas said Guyana needs a massive boost in training capacity to meet the demands of the maritime sector. While noting there are training opportunities rudimentary positions, Thomas said the focus would be placed paving the way for higher levels of certification.
Meanwhile, the DG lauded the renewed emphasis placed on MARAD by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Bishop Juan Edghill.
The new DG was appointed on September 2 and took over from Ms. Claudette Rogers who now functions as Advisor on Maritime Affairs.