Special arrangements in place for water-top viewing of bridge commissioning ceremony

With the Sunday, October 5, commissioning of the New Demerara River Bridge, ship and boat-owners and cruise operators who wish to view the commissioning from the river are asked to take note of special requirements needed to do so. The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) will be coordinating and regulating all activities in the river, and requirements include that all vessels shall be seaworthy; all vessel operators must be competent, and life jackets must be worn by all individuals on water taxis and small open boats. MARAD is also to be informed of the place of boarding and disembarkation. Additionally, at 17:30 hours (5:30 pm), the tide will be ebbing (falling); therefore, vessels are required to be in position so as not to drift into the bridge. All vessels approaching the New Demerara River Bridge from either the southern or northern direction must remain outside the one-mile buffer zone.
The intended route must be communicated to MARAD before the event, and there must be no overloading of vessels. All vessels are asked to sound their whistle/horn immediately after the cutting of the ribbon to formally open the bridge.
Compliance with this directive is mandatory and necessary to facilitate the smooth flow of marine traffic and ensure safety within the river.
For any further information, kindly make contact with any of the following officers:
Director of Maritime Safety–623-4936 River Navigation Officer–610-2349
Harbour Master–710-8901 Chief Pilot–711-5390
Public Communication Officer–624-2585 Lighthouse–623-5933 (VHF 16).
Or, visit the Maritime Administration Department Guyana Facebook page to view their notice.