SMSA meets stakeholders in the maritime sector |23 November 2020

The meeting in progress

The Board and Management of the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA) held a stakeholder’s discussions last week with key associations operating within the maritime sector in Seychelles.

The meeting forms part of a series of discussions that has recently started with various public and private stakeholders in the maritime sector in order to discuss the various concerns of the industry, establish mutually clear expectations and looking at the collaborative way forward on the implementation of the mandates of SMSA.

The chairperson of SMSA, Veronique Laporte, explained that “we have a challenging task of ensuring the effective implementation of the mandates of SMSA in overseeing maritime affairs in Seychelles, and it is therefore crucial for all our stakeholders to work closely with SMSA for all of us to move forward in a collaborative manner, while ensuring that trust and mutual respect prevails at all times.”

Ms Laporte further stated that these stakeholders’ discussions planned by SMSA will also provide significant inputs into SMSA’s five-year strategic plan being developed currently by SMSA.

The chief executive of SMSA, Captain Joachim Valmont, made a presentation of the new mandates of SMSA as a newly transformed Authority, highlighting its key roles and responsibilities, which include registration and identification of ships, survey and inspections, implementation and enforcement of maritime conventions, examinations, licensing and certification of seafarers, dissemination of maritime safety information and the licensing of maritime activities.

Great emphasis was also put during the discussions on the various legislations that will enable SMSA to undertake its regulatory functions more effectively.

The various concerns and proposal from the participants present were welcomed by SMSA, including on the Authority’s procedures, enforcement requirements and the establishment of standards.

“As a yacht charter operator, I am pleased to see the change in pace and attitude. The streamlining of the licensing process is already a great step so we have a one-stop shop from start to finish,” commented Mr Adrienne from SeycapesYatch Charter.

Mr Adrienne further stated that “the future safety and monitoring of our waters appear to be in good hands”.

The Live-Aboard Yacht Charter Association, represented by Mrs Stepahnie stressed that“we believe that the boating industry can only improve through joint collaboration, as the regulations governing our activities have been put in place a long time ago, and these are so diverse, that a joint effort is essential to finalise the establishment of the functions of the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority act, so that it serves the various operators and the Seychelles as best as possible”.

It was agreed that regular meetings will take place when deemed appropriate, on new legislations and any other relevant matters that will directly or indirectly impact the Associations. SMSA will continue with its meeting also on Praslin and La Digue during the month of December.

Present at the meeting were the board members of SMSA, the CEO and deputy of SMSA and the following associations: Live-Aboard Yacht Charter Association, Scuba Diving Federation Seychelles, Seychelles Power Boat and Jet Ski Association, Apostolat of the Sea and Seychelles Provisional Yacht Men Association.