Maritime Course underway in St. Kitts

By Melissa Bryant
Reporter~SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – LOCAL boat operators now have the opportunity to become certified in the marine field, thanks to the course currently being conducted by the Department of Maritime Affairs at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Fortlands, Basseterre.

The five-day programme is facilitated by the British Virgin Islands’ H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), in collaboration with the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College, 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.

Participants on the course are drawn from a wide variety of enterprises including Sea Bridge, Mr. X’s Shiggidy Shack, Blue Water Safari, Port Authority and the Leeward Island Charter as well as boat handlers of the various catamaran cruises. The course facilitator is Dr. David Hines, Director of Maritime Affairs at HLSCC.

According to Hines, the course is designed to provide the underpinning practical theory and knowledge to allow local seafarers to prepare for the implementation of the SVC.

“The course includes critical areas such as chart work, international collision regulations, emergency processes and the SVC itself. ~~Adz:Right~~

“At the course’s conclusion, successful candidates can then sit an exam to earn their Caribbean Boat Master Certificate,” said Hines.

Director of Maritime Affairs Mc Clean Hobson stated that the course was a way of ensuring that local mariners maintain international standards.

“It also helps to develop their competence in maritime affairs and gives them a better understanding of navigation, the ‘rules of the road’ and their roles and responsibilities under the SVC code,” he revealed.

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 establish a Maritime Wing at CFBC, whereby short professional courses, bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes would be delivered in collaboration with HLSCC and the Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) in Jamaica. 

Hobson noted that there has already been demand for additional maritime courses and vowed that his department would continue to educate local mariners about the SVC code’s impending implementation.