By: Ibrahim J. Conteh
As part of its statutory mandate to ensure safety of navigation at sea, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) on Friday 3rd September 2021 officially launched its Emergency Toll Free Line with the code “855.” The Toll Free Line will serve as a link between the Administration and local motorized passenger vessel operators, fishing vessels and fast craft boat operators within the territorial waters of Sierra Leone in the event of any distress at sea.
Speaking at the launch of the Toll Free Line at the SLMA headquarters, Government Wharf in Freetown, the Acting SLMA Executive Director, Mr. Sama Ansu Gamanga expressed delight stating that SLMA is very committed in facilitating, promoting and enhancing safety of vessel owners and passengers at sea and continued that in order to enhance efficiency in promoting safety at sea, they decided to introduce the Toll Free Line to interface with boat users, operators and passengers when in distress at sea underscoring, “when it comes to Maritime Administration, communication is a key component in maritime regulation.”
Mr. Sama Ansu Gamanga added that emergency preparedness should be complemented with emergency response which he reiterated is the rationale for the launch of the Toll Free Line so that people/vessels that encounter difficulties at sea ranging from collision, engine failure, bad weather and other emergencies can call for the attention of the Administration for prompt response.
He continued that the Toll Free Line with the short code “855” operates on a 24- hours basis and can be accessed from any Orange number, assured that with available resources plans are underway to extend the service to other networks, disclosing that the SLMA has search and rescue vessels equipped with the needed resources and manpower to respond promptly to distress calls revealing that they also have personnel deployed in all riverine areas across the country to ensure that passengers onboard vessels put on lifejackets as well as guarantee that it is safe to sail, that the boats are seaworthy and that boats do not sail after 7pm.
In his statement, the President of the Sierra Leone Boat Owners Association, Paramount Chief Bai Shebura Or Lion II commended the management of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration for putting premium on maritime safety adding that sometime in August this year, the Administration distributed lifejackets to all the seven riverine districts in the country which he described as a great move to ensure safety at sea.
PC Bai Shebura or Lion II further maintained that most Sierra Leoneans use sea transportation, reiterated the need for stringent safety measures, that the Administration has invested and demonstrated a great deal of commitment in enhancing maritime safety for which they as direct beneficiaries are very thankful. He also lauded the SLMA initiative and pledged his organization’s support in complementing the Administration’s efforts and laudable venture.
Other dignitaries who made statements at the ceremony were representatives of the Sierra Leone Sea Fearers Union, the Ministry of Transport and Aviation; the SLMA Board; the Ministry of Communications; the Joint Maritime Committee (JMC); the Sierra Leone Police Marine Wing and the Sierra Leone Ports Authority.