In compliance with the international obligation to ensure the safety of life and property at sea, the Barbados Maritime Transport Administration is reminding vessel operators that life jackets/life vests should be provided by the vessel owner and on board at all times.
This directive is pursuant to Section 8 (1) (r) of the Shipping (Domestic Vessels) Act, 2024, and outlines the following directives.
- Life jackets or life vests shall be provided for use on all vessels, water sports craft or water sports devices to which the Shipping (Domestic Vessels) Act, 2024 applies.
- Every person while travelling on a vessel or water sports craft shall wear a life jacket or life vest.
- Persons using watersport devices shall wear a life jacket or life vest if the water sport device is of a type necessitating the wearing of a life jacket or life vest.
Any person who contravenes this directive shall be liable to suspension or revocation of the permit, licence or other operating instrument issued by the Barbados Maritime Transport Administration to operate vessels, water sports craft or water sport devices under the Shipping (Domestic Vessels) Act, 2024.
Author: Sheena Forde-Craigg