What We Do
The Maritime Services Division was established to administer the provisions of the Shipping Act and other Maritime Legislation. The more vital functions of the Division revolve around the intent to ensure the safety and security of life at sea, safety of navigation and the protection of the maritime environment from ship pollution.
The core functions are outlined below:
GENERAL MARITIME MATTERS
- Promulgation of national legislation *
- Development of maritime policies and frameworks
- Adoption and implementation of International Maritime Conventions
- Advise the Government on maritime matters
- Representation at international meeting and national committees
- Coordinating organisation (focal point) for IMO matters
- Registration and licensing of Trinidad and Tobago ships
- Maintenance of relevant maritime records
- Issuance of clearances to vessels arriving and departing local waters
MARITIME SAFETY AND SECURITY
- Investigations of maritime incidents
- Control of vessels operating in local waters
- Oversight for maritime search and rescue
- Review of ship construction and stability designs
- Guidance on the safe handling and carriage of dangerous goods
- Survey, inspection and certification of Trinidad and Tobago ships
- Port State Control on foreign ships calling at Trinidad and Tobago Ports
- Detention of unsafe and unseaworthy ships
SAFETY OF NAVIGATION
- Establishment of aids to navigation
- Maintenance and repair/replacement of State owned aids to navigation
- Issuance of navigational warnings and notices to mariners
- Oversight of the provider of pilotage services
- Updating of nautical chart information
- Governance and direction on wrecks and salvage
SAFE MANNING, LICENCING OF SEAFARERS AND CREW ISSUES
- Registration, examination and certification of national seafarers
- Seafarer safety and welfare on board Trinidad and Tobago ships
PROTECTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT FROM SHIP BOURNE POLLUTION
- Approval and Monitoring of maritime training institutions (STCW courses)
- Guidelines for disposal of ship generated waste and ballast water management
- Collaboration with other agencies with responsibilities for protection of the marine environment and pollution response
