Castries – March 04, 2010 – The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) today announced the publishing of the Shipping Regulations in the February 23, 2010 edition of the St. Lucia Gazette marking a significant milestone in the history of St. Lucia’s Maritime Sector.

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 (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 and Pleasure Vessels) Regulations which standardizes safety among vessels seeking to operate without any commercial interest.

“The Shipping Act of Saint Lucia Cap 13.27, was first published in 1994 and amended in 2000, however, there have not been any supporting regulations to enforce the requirements under the Shipping Act” explained Christopher Alexander, Officer in Charge, Division of Maritime Affairs.” These regulations will ensure that St. Lucia meets international maritime standards while promoting safety of seafarers and protection of the marine environment” continued Alexander. Adrian Hilaire, Director of Seaports says that the publishing of these Regulations are in keeping with SLASPA’s overall plan for the development of the Maritime Sector which is essential to other sectors such as Cruise, Yachting, Cargo and Fishing.

To ensure that all stakeholders are adequately informed and have a clear understanding of these new regulations, SLASPA will be hosting a half-day symposium on March 09, 2010 from 8:30 am at the NIC Conference Room. This symposium will be of no cost to participants and will be facilitated by a team of professionals within SLASPA along with external partners. Persons interested in attending this symposium should contact SLASPA’s Division of Maritime Affairs at 452-2855.