Promoting high standards in island’s maritime sector
MARITIME AUTHORITY OF JAMAICA
THE MARITIME Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) was established by The Shipping Act of 1998 as a statutory arm of the Government of Jamaica. MAJ celebrated 16 years of existence as a statutory body in April 2017.
As Jamaica’s maritime administration, the MAJ has remained committed to its mandate by pursuing the development of shipping and regulatory matters relating to merchant shipping and seafarers.
The Authority has carried out its functions, including regulatory and promoting high standards of competence, maritime safety and security and protection, and prevention of maritime pollution by ships while facilitating developments within the maritime arena.
JAMAICA ELECTED TO IMO COUNCIL CATEGORY C
In December 2017, Jamaica was elected to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council Category C. The MAJ is the focal point for the IMO and ensures the safety of shipping and protection of the marine environment from vessel-source pollution. As a member of the council, Jamaica actively participates in the work of the IMO and consistently represents the interests of the Caribbean region as well as Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
In February 2017, Director General of the Maritime Authority of Jamaica Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Peter Brady was appointed as Jamaica’s special envoy to the IMO.
MAJ DEPUTY DIRECTOR GENERAL ELECTED VICE-CHAIR OF IMPLEMENTATION OF IMO INSTRUMENTS SUBCOMMITTEE
The Maritime Authority of Jamaica’s Deputy Director General, Claudia Grant, was elected vice-chairman of the subcommittee on Implementation of IMO Instruments.
This appointment, in September 2017, brings recognition to Jamaica and the Maritime Authority of Jamaica and signals Jamaica’s commitment to the implementation of International Maritime Organization regulations and conventions.
The subcommittee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) brings together flag, port, and coastal states to consider implementation issues, including the analysis of consolidated audit summary reports from the mandatory IMO Member State Audit Scheme.
JAMAICA ACCEDES TO MARITIME LABOUR CONVENTION
In June 2017, Jamaica presented its instrument of accession to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC), commonly known as the “seafarers’ bill of rights”. The MLC is the primary treaty that protects the rights of seafarers to decent living and working conditions on board ships.
The MAJ is required to have in place the legal framework to ensure that shipowners flying the Jamaican flag comply with the convention. This includes the periodic survey of the vessels leading to the issuance of a Maritime Labour Certificate.
The Jamaica Ship Registry (JSR) and Mega Yacht Registry, operated by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica will also benefit from Jamaica’s accession to the MLC as it will signal to shipowners that the country operates a high-quality ship registry that adheres to all acceptable international maritime standards.
TRAINING FOR JUDGES
In November 2017, the Maritime Authority of Jamaica held a seminar for Supreme Court and Court of Appeal judges to raise awareness of issues relating to maritime law. The seminar covered an outline of admiralty jurisdiction, arrest procedures, and the different types of maritime claims that can be brought before the Supreme Court.
TRAINING AT THE WMU
In December 2017, Abigail Bryan returned to the MAJ after completing studies at the World Maritime University, Malmo, Sweden. She was awarded an MSc in Maritime Affairs, specialising in Maritime Education Training. She joins the over 40 graduates from Jamaica and the Caribbean who have studied at the WMU since its establishment.
The WMU is a postgraduate maritime university founded in 1983 by the International Maritime Organization. The university offers both master’s and doctoral degrees and carries out the objectives and goals of the IMO and IMO member states around the world through education, research, and capacity building.
JAMAICA DEPOSITS INSTRUMENT OF ACCESSION TO BALLAST WATER CONVENTION
In September 2017, Jamaica deposited to the IMO its instrument of accession to the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention. The Maritime Authority of Jamaica spearheaded the development of the legislative and policy requirement for implementation of the BWM Convention. The MAJ also chairs the interagency task force established to implement the convention.
Jamaica’s accession to the convention demonstrates the country’s commitment to supporting the work of the International Maritime Organization in the protection of the marine environment.