The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), in

monitoring the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), has implemented a

range of measures to protect seafarers and passengers alike.

In a statement on Thursday (March 19), the MAJ

as Jamaica’s marine administration, said it is committed to its mission to

promote high standards of maritime competence, safety, security and protection

of the marine environment.

“We ask watersports operators to have their

vessels ready for inspection at the scheduled times and to keep visitors and

onlookers away from the inspection site while our inspector is present,” the

statement noted.

“Passenger carrying vessels must observe

the following rules: half of the present assigned capacity to a maximum of

twenty persons. For small passenger vessel operators particularly, this means

that the number of persons permitted by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica as

shown on the Safety Certificate, must be cut in half,” the MAJ said.

The MAJ further explained that it will

remain guided by protocols stipulated by the Ministry of Health and Wellness,

the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Maritime Organisation.

The agency assured the island that the

health and safety of the wider public and its cadre of staff remains a top

priority.

For those who can, the MAJ has urged

customers to access its services online, visitors who do choose to come to its

offices, however, will be asked to exercise care when interacting with staff,

and to adhere to the steps we have implemented, to help protect against COVID-19.

“We encourage those of our seafarers who

can, to utilize our online platforms. However, we will facilitate walk-in

customers during our regular opening hours of 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to

Friday,” the agency explained.

“For those who visit our offices, we ask

that they maintain the appropriate social distancing. The MAJ remains steadfast

in its support of Jamaica’s efforts to curtail the local spread of COVID-19.

Let us all do our best to remain healthy as we support each other in this

public health fight,” the MAJ said in its statement.