St. Kitts to conduct first-ever Maritime Course
By Melissa Bryant
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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McClean Hobson
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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – BUDDING and existing boat operators will soon have the opportunity to earn their Caribbean Boat Master Certificate as the Department of Maritime Affairs will be conducting related courses at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) from November 24 to 28.
The programme is facilitated by the BVI’s H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in collaboration with CFBC and aims to prepare local boat operators for the enforcement of the Small Vessel Commercial (SVC) code.
The code was designed for Caribbean countries by the ruling international body on maritime affairs, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and mandates that operators for commercial and pleasure vessels 24 metres and under must be the holder of a Boat Master Licence Grade One, Two or Three to operate in the coastal waters of St. Kitts and Nevis by June 1, 2009.
Director of Maritime Affairs Mc Clean Hobson stated that one of the Department’s objectives is “to create a safe environment for the protection of the marine environment, which can only be accomplished if our captains and boat operators are sufficiently competent”.
“About 90 percent of licensed vessels in St. Kitts fall into the category outlined by the SVC, so it is important that our boat operators have the opportunity to gain the required certification,” he said.
The course is a first step in what the Maritime Affairs Department hopes is an increased focus on the development of human resources in the sector. According to Hobson, there are plans to eventually establish a Maritime Wing at CFBC, whereby short professional courses, bachelor’s degree programmes and master’s degree programmes would be delivered in collaboration with HLSCC and the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) in Jamaica. ~~Adz:Right~~
Hobson added that “although maritime affairs are largely overlooked by many, the economy hinges on shipping”.
“If you close the airport down completely it may take a few weeks for serious effects to occur. But comparatively, if the port were to be shut down, the impact would be felt immediately,” he added.
Hobson however warned that there must be certain structures in place “to ensure the safety of the maritime trade and the Maritime Wing would be a central point of development of the human resources in the sector. Many young persons are not aware of the opportunities that exist within the sector and if more people do not gain the maritime skills that will enable them to effectively function or operate, most of the jobs that require these skills will go to foreigners”.
Interested persons can collect registration forms at the Department’s offices in Needsmust. There are 10 spaces available on the course and spots will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.
