KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) is urging boaters to be vigilant and to take precautionary measures when traversing waterways, especially as the Heroes’ Day weekend approaches.

MAJ’s Director General, Rear Admiral (Ret’d) Peter Brady, said the agency takes the safety and protection of life at sea very seriously.

“Passengers must be watchful for possible danger and boat owners and drivers alike must consider highly enough, their own safety and that of their passengers, and take every precaution when transporting passengers,” he said.

Brady further outlined the following guidelines with which coxswains (persons steering the vessel) of passenger-carrying vessels must comply: 

[naviga:ul]

[naviga:li]Vessels must be registered and licensed by the MAJ to carry passengers[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Engage in a safety brief prior to commencement of a voyage[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Ensure that lifejackets are properly fitted and worn by all passengers[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Display coxswain license of the skipper[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Show on demand by the travelling public or law enforcement (Marine Police and The JDF Coast Guard) the safety certificate of the vessel[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Operate the vessel in accordance with the conditions listed on the safety certificate and must not exceed the passenger complement that is stated. [/naviga:li]

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The director general also encouraged passengers to ensure that they also follow the guidelines and put their safety first and not board vessels in which a coxswain is not complying with the guidelines.

“Passengers must pay keen attention to the weather. If the seas are rough and waves are high, do not proceed on boat rides,” Brady said.