Castries – Friday, September 06, 2013 – The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), through its Division of Maritime Affairs hosted a two-day training, licensing and certification session for Jet Ski Operators in Saint Lucia. The training which began on Monday September 02, 2013, focused on rescue procedures; rules of the road; security; customer service; national laws regulating jet ski operations, code of conduct; vessel safety equipment maintenance; use of personal floatation devices; geographical boundaries of operation including access points; location; noise and nuisance avoidance; environmental concerns and re-boarding of craft in the event of accidental fall off. The participants were also issued with an updated list of conditions and guidelines for Jet Ski operations.

Mr. Christopher Alexander, Director of Maritime Affairs stated “In light of the increase in Jet Ski Operators and pleasure craft users, we wanted to ensure that the operators were up to date on their training and certification before the official tourist season begins in October. Key concepts we highlighted included the social responsibility of respecting other users of the sea, educating the operators of the jet skis and boats on ensuring their vessels are in the best operating condition; that the safety equipment required by law is on board, maintained in good condition and that they know how to properly use these devices and the operators have a complete knowledge of the operation and handling characteristics of their pleasure craft whilst maintaining a safe distance from sea bathers and vessels at anchor”.

Delivering the feature address, Superintendent Milton Desir, Commander of the St. Lucia Marine Police indicated “There have been growing concerns about the use of jet skis in the various bays particularly in the north of the island. For the most part, these crafts operate in common space with swimmers, divers, other water sporting activities and other craft such as speed boats, yachts etc. Having realized the potential dangers involved when operating a jet ski, the Division of Maritime Affairs at SLASPA, the Marine Unit RSLPF and other enforcement agencies understood the need to have jet skis operate in a safe and secure manner thereby enhancing safety for all water sporting activities. It is anticipated that the training programme undertaken by SLASPA and the licensing of operators will assist in bringing about the changes necessary to keep our bays safe. The Marine Unit supports the initiative by SLASPA and will ensure that we enforce all related laws”.

At the end of this two day training, the operators will be given a license to operate for a year and will have to come in to SLASPA to recertify once it has expired. For more information, please contact the Division of Maritime Affairs at 457-6151.