SLMA Rescues Coastal Waterways
In an interview with the Executive Director Paul S. Massaquoi of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA), the Administration now operates a National Registry for vessels in the country’s coastal and inland waterways. Vessel registrations and licensing include conventional (trawlers; Tugs; Barges; Ferries); non-conventional vessels (Speed boats) and Local Motorized Vessels (Pampas)
According to the ED, the Administration also undertook annual statutory vessel inspections and certifications. Inspections were carried out for safety and seaworthiness. A total of fifty-three (53) inspections on fishing vessels; five (5) push boats; 10 (ten) dump barges; three (3) large passenger ferries; 497 local motorized vessels and 22 speed boats.
The Administration made strenuous efforts to repair and install Aids to Navigation in the navigable waterways, inland waterways as well as the territorial sea. There is urgent need to replace the buoys on the Sherbro River, the Freetown Port entrance and the Northern estuaries up to the Guinea border.
Due to lack of funds, the Administration was unable to institute safety regulation of Local Motorized Vessels in respect of vessel Load Line markings which is a requirement of the International Convention for Load Line. Load Line markings are used to determine the maximum load capacity of vessels thereby reducing the risk associated with overloading.