Earlier this week, a Joint Marine Patrol conducted in the Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) highlighted the ongoing concerns regarding safety on Guyana’s waterways. During the exercise, boat operators were stopped and educated on key maritime safety protocols, including the importance of life jackets, vessel maintenance, proper navigation practices, and the dangers of operating boats under the influence of alcohol. The patrol team also noted several passengers traveling without life jackets, warning operators that repeated infractions would result in necessary penalties.
This initiative emphasizes a broader and urgent issue which is the need for stricter enforcement of marine safety regulations and greater public awareness on the risks associated with unsafe boating practices. Given that thousands of Guyanese depend on rivers as their primary means of transportation, ensuring safety on the waterways must remain a national priority.
For many communities in Regions One, Two, Seven, Nine and 10 rivers serve as highways, connecting families, supporting commerce, and facilitating access to education and healthcare. Unlike those in urban centers who rely on paved roads, riverine residents depend heavily on boats for their daily commute. Children travel by boat to school, farmers transport their produce via waterways, and residents seek medical attention at distant facilities using speedboats or canoes.
However, this heavy reliance on river transport comes with inherent risks, particularly when safety measures are neglected. The lack of life jackets, improper vessel maintenance, reckless operation, and the consumption of alcohol while navigating are all dangerous practices that endanger lives. Every year, tragic incidents occur on our waterways, many of which could have been prevented with stricter adherence to safety regulations.
The recent marine patrol in the Pomeroon River represents a commendable effort to increase oversight and ensure compliance with marine safety laws. By stopping and educating boat operators, law enforcement officers demonstrated their commitment to preventing avoidable accidents. However, while these initiatives are necessary, they must be sustained and expanded across all major rivers in Guyana. Regular patrols, increased inspections, and stringent penalties for safety violations should become standard practice.
Additionally, public awareness campaigns must be intensified. Many boat operators and passengers either do not fully understand the risks involved in neglecting safety measures or choose to ignore them. The Public Works Ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), and other stakeholders, should continue community outreach programs to educate citizens about marine safety regulations. These campaigns should target schools, marketplaces, and transportation hubs to reach both adults and children.
One of the most critical safety concerns raised during the Pomeroon River patrol was the absence of life jackets among passengers. Life jackets are essential in preventing drownings and should be a non-negotiable requirement for every passenger on a boat. While some operators argue that life jackets are expensive, the cost of a life lost due to negligence is far greater. Government agencies and non-governmental organizations should explore initiatives to subsidize or distribute life jackets to schoolchildren and vulnerable travelers in high-risk areas.
In addition to life jackets, ensuring that vessels are in serviceable condition is crucial. Boats should be properly maintained, equipped with emergency supplies, and inspected regularly to prevent mechanical failures that could lead to disasters. Furthermore, operators must exercise caution and responsibility when navigating. Speeding, overloading vessels, and consuming alcohol while operating a boat pose serious risks and should be met with strict legal consequences.
While existing marine laws provide a framework for safe river transport, enforcement remains inconsistent. Authorities should review and strengthen regulations, ensuring that penalties for non-compliance serve as effective deterrents. Licensing requirements for boat operators must be rigorously enforced, and unlicensed individuals should not be allowed to transport passengers.
Moreover, community involvement is vital in promoting a culture of safety. Parents must ensure their children wear life jackets, passengers should hold operators accountable for reckless behavior, and community leaders should work alongside law enforcement to uphold safety standards. By fostering a collective sense of responsibility, we can significantly reduce accidents and fatalities on our waterways.
The recent Joint Marine Patrol in the Pomeroon River must not be a one-time initiative. Sustained enforcement, continuous public education, and stronger policies are necessary to ensure the safety of all waterway users.
