Christopher Alexander, SLASPA’s Director of Maritime Affairs, at podium, says St Lucia must meet international standards.

On the heels of the publication of the Shipping Regulations in the February 23, 2010 editions of St Lucia Gazette, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), on Tuesday, March 09, 2010 held a National Symposium at the NIC Conference Room to ensure all stakeholders were adequately informed and have a clear understanding of these new regulations.

SLASPA’s Corporate Services Department and Division Maritime Affairs have been working the publication of the regulation from 2009. Four Regulations have been published as follows: Firstly, the Shipping (Registration and Proprietary Interests in Ships) Regulations will ensure that all Saint Lucian vessels are registered, thus having formal identification. Secondly, the Shipping (Fees) Regulations which are comparable to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) fees guidelines and that of Regional countries. Thirdly, the Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulations which brings into national law, the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea. Finally, the Shipping (Safety of Pleasure Vessels) Regulations which standardizes safety among vessels seeking to operate without any commercial interest.

Tuesday’s symposium which was the first of its kind for SLASPA, was facilitated by Mr Christopher Alexander, Director of Maritime Affairs, SLASPA, Ms Danine Jones, Legal Officer/Corporate Secretary, SLASPA, Sgt. Joseph St Brice of the Royal St Lucia Police Force and Ms Wilbertha King of the Bank of St Lucia. The event drew over 100 participants from the local Maritime Sector.

Delivering the featured remarks during the open session was the Permanent Secretary with the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, who recognized the contribution of stakeholders to the development of the sector and said “recognizing that a well integrated maritime transport system is essential for sustaining economic growth in Saint Lucia, I remain confident that you the key players in this industry will play a responsible role in the contributions to be made. Saint Lucia over the years has produced seafarers who have attained the highest level of qualification in the nautical profession. We are proud of this achievement and look forward to continuing success in this field.” Mr Preville also commended SLASPA for taking the initiative of hosting the symposium and reiterated the Ministry of Tourism’s commitment to the development of the Maritime Sector.

Also speaking during the open session was Mr Christopher Alexander who said “The dynamic nature of the maritime industry requires that standards are set at national levels and in accordance with international requirements. The Maritime Administration plays a key role in asserting the need for consistent, uniformed international laws and policies. If each nation developed its own safety legislation the result would be a maze of differing, often conflicting national laws. Some nations might insist on very high safety standards while others might be lower, acting as havens for sub-standard shipping. The Shipping Regulations before you today have addressed these concerns and ensures Saint Lucia’s standards are in concordance with what IMO requires.”

Stakeholders expressed general appreciation for the symposium as it provided an opportunity to learn more about the regulations and also to express their concerns. SLASPA, through its Maritime Division will continue to work closely with stakeholders for the development of this important sector.