Castries – Thursday, October 03, 2013 – The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), through its Division of Maritime Affairs handed over Commercial Boating Operators Licenses’ to twenty-four (24) Officers attached to the Royal St. Lucia Police Marine Unit in a presentation ceremony held at the Police Marine Unit Headquarters at Vigie cove. These qualified and experienced Officers received licenses in the categories of Protected Waters, Coastal Waters and Exposed Waters and the license is valid for three years.

In a brief interview, Mr. Christopher Alexander, Director of Maritime Affairs said “The handing over of these Boat masters licenses to the Police Marine Unit Officers indicates the formal recognition of the boat handling competencies of these Officers by the Division of Maritime Affairs of SLASPA. This gesture indicates the growing collaboration and cooperation between the two agencies as we seek to sensitize the boating community of safety awareness and security in efficiently operating water craft”.

Commander of the Marine Police Unit Mr. Milton Desir indicated “The Shipping Act requires that masters of commercial vessels be licensed and although our vessels are not commercial vessels, during the course of performing our duties we encounter situations whereby there is the need to take over control of commercial vessels.  Therefore we felt it necessary to ensure that our Officers had the licenses to operate these commercial vessels. We are indeed thankful to SLASPA for waiving the fees associated with getting our Officers licensed.  This gesture is greatly appreciated by us at the Marine Unit and by extension the Royal St. Lucia Police Force.  We would like to thank the management of SLASPA and particular the Division of Maritime Affairs for making it possible for qualified members of the Unit to own a Boat Masters License at no cost. We hereby pledge continued interaction with and support your efforts to ensure that the water spaces are safe for all users.”

For more information on obtaining Boating Operators Licenses, contact the Division of Maritime Affairs at 457-6151.