Castries – Tuesday June 7, 2011 – The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Port Authority (SLASPA), Division of Maritime Affairs hosted a Boating Safety Awareness Seminar today, from 9:00am to 12:30pm at theLeisure Inn/Cool Breeze Conference Room, New Development, Soufriere. The workshop was facilitatedby Mr. Christopher Alexander, Director of Maritime Affairs at SLASPA.

After the workshop, Mr. Alexander commented “The boating industry continues to expand and increasingly affects the Maritime Sector and the Tourism Market. All across the country boating is growing and each year individuals and families discover the fun and enjoyment that this recreational pastime brings and commercial opportunities available. Until now however, very little knowledge has been acquired prior to actually getting underway on the seas. In that regard, the Maritime Division of SLASPA is working towards positively and meaningfully communicating boating safety regulations to all seafarers with the conducting of these seminars, with this being out third one and we are continuing with these seminars across St. Lucia so everyone is aware.”

“We felt it was necessary to hold this session in order to assist Boat masters/Captains in becoming cognizant with issues concerning safety of passengers and their responsibilities as vessel operators. We touched on topics such as, Commercial & Pleasure Craft Licensing & Registration, Collision Regulations, Legislation & Penalties, International Ship and Port Facility Security ISPS Code Regulations and Boat Masters license and Boat Safety Inspection” continued Mr. Alexander.

Cpl. Frederick from the RSLPF Marine Police Unit indicated “The Marine Police want to use this workshop to sensitize all stakeholders as to the importance of Boating Safety. We recognize that as a law enforcement agency, it is important to work to improve the quality of the product that we offer to visitors and locals alike. One may notice that there has been a rapid decline in Search and Rescue (S.A.R.) and boating accidents over the past few years, so we would like to continue to work to improve this. We believe that educating boat operators about the law governing international boat Safety is of great importance. We are also looking at follow‐up workshops to make the public more aware of boating safety.”

On participant indicated “This workshop came in handy because I was hearing a lot about Maritime and Marine safety, but wasn’t sure what was needed to comply or what I would have to do or get to make sure I followed the rules and laws of St. Lucia. But Mr. Alexander explained everything so clearly andnow I am more aware and will be operating my vessel in compliance with everything taught today. As a matter of fact, I even took a couple of the brochures to pass on to people who could not attend so they too are aware of the regulations.”

Over fifty – eight people were in attendance at the workshop and SLASPA’ s Division of Maritime Affairs intends to continue with these series of Boating and Safety Awareness workshops throughout the island. Also speaking at the seminar today was Mr. Nigel Mitchell, Chairman Watercraft Advisory Committee, Mr. Bernard Saltibus, President Soufriere Water Taxi Association, Mr. Dominic Alexander, Soufriere Foundation, and Mr. Adrian Hilaire, Director of Seaports, SLASPA.

For more information, please visit SLASPA’s website at www.slaspa.com, or contact The Maritime Department at 453‐2855.