Jet ski operators, others provide input to improve existing laws

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy recently convened a closed door briefing involving members from the jet ski and pleasure cruise operations communities in addition to other stakeholders, regarding an update of existing legislation concerning this part of the Ministry’s portfolio.

Held at the Barbados Industrial Development Corporation on Harbour Road, the meeting was hosted in part by Minister Kirk Humphrey; Permanent Secretary Sonia Foster; Harbourmaster, Carl Gonsalves; Jacqueline Blackman, Chief Technical Officer in the Ministry; Malcolm Duncan from the Barbados Coast Guard as well as Superintendent Adrian Broomes from the Royal Barbados Police Force.

The proposed revisions were presented by Maritime lawyer Najla King on behalf of MMABE. She gave a comprehensive overview as well as segmented delivery of the areas to be updated.

The legislation being brought to 21st Century standards was the Domestic Vessels Act. King went through various segments including what constitutes a Foreign vessel, what is a Pleasure Cruise vessel, the differences between a Boatmaster and a Boat Technician, and ensuring Occupational Safety and Health standards are globally compliant as well.

The legislation was shared with the operators who agreed to convene quickly to review it in order to submit their recommendations before it is sent to Cabinet for a final decision.