The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), through its Division of Maritime Affairs, inMarch of this year published the Shipping Regulations. As a follow-up, SLASPA is encouraging allBoat Owners and Captains to ensure that requirements are met under these regulations.Requirements are of three categories; firstly, commercial vessels plying for hire are mandatedto carry a Safety Inspection Certificate issued by the Maritime Division of SLASPA which has tobe renewed annually to conform with the seaworthiness of the vessel. Secondly, pleasurevessels are also required to carry a Safety Inspection Certificate but will be inspected biennially,these requirements are mandatory under the new shipping regulations.

Thirdly, vessels that were issued Provisional Registration Certificate are also required to return this document to attain an official registry certificate. All vessels that have met safety requirements will be issued with a decal.

Director of Maritime Affairs, Mr. Christopher Alexander says “the shipping regulations wereenacted to ensure that St. Lucia meets international maritime standards while promoting safetyof seafarers and protection of the marine environment. We therefore encourage the membersof the boating community to ensure that their vessels have been inspected and they are inpossession of a valid Safety Inspection Certificate. This is important for the safety of passengersand crew as well as other vessels.”

The Shipping Regulations was published on February 23rd, 2010 and were of four types: 1) theShipping (Registration and Proprietary Interests in Ships) Regulations will ensure that all SaintLucian vessels are registered, thus having formal identification. 2) the Shipping (Fees)Regulations which are comparable to the International Maritime (IMO) fees guidelines and thatof Regional countries; 3) the Shipping (Distress Signals and Prevention of Collisions) Regulationswhich brings into national law, the International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions atSea; 4) the Shipping (Safety and Pleasure Vessels) Regulations which standardizes safety amongvessels seeking to operate without any commercial interest.

In March 2010 SLASPA held a symposium to ensure that members of the boating community were provided with a comprehensive review of these regulations.