Guyana: Caribbean Port State Control Flags Inspection Concerns

The Caribbean Port State Control (CPSC) is prioritizing the issue of ocean-going vessels that continue to fail inspections, as stated by Chairman Michel Amafo during the opening of the 31st CPSC annual meeting at the AC Marriott in Ogle, East Coast Demerara. The meeting aims to evaluate previous decisions, approve the budget, and address significant gaps identified during vessel inspections.

Mr. Amafo highlighted several major deficiencies observed during inspections, including issues related to life-saving appliances, firefighting equipment, seamen engagement agreements, and concerns regarding fraudulent certificates, false registries, and false flags. He noted that when suspected false flags are encountered, the respective country is contacted for verification, and if confirmed as false, the ship will be detained.

Guyana’s maritime minister, Deodat Indar, urged delegates to discuss the issue of “rogue operators” utilizing the Guyana flag and to develop a unified approach to tackle this problem. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with partners to address these challenges, stating that it tarnishes the reputation of the shipping industry and implicates Guyana in activities it does not engage in.

During the conference, Minister Indar commended the CPSC for its achievements over the past decade, attributing successes to digitization, enhanced integration with international systems, and improved inspection practices. He warned that failed inspections could result in vessels running aground or sinking, thereby endangering lives at sea.

He also mentioned that Guyana conducted 12 physical port state control inspections last year and vetted 286 vessels through its online clearance system for operations in offshore oil blocks. Minister Indar pointed out that the same shipping lines have been operating in the Guyana route for decades, now transporting three times the volume of cargo with the same fleet.

Source: demerarawaves.com