Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (Identification of Small Vessels) Regulations, 2023 (S.I 4 of 2023) |09 March 2023
Government repeals piece of regulation
The Ministry of Transport has repealed S.I 4 of 2023, the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (Identification of Small Vessels) Regulations, 2023.
The regulations were enacted on January 26, 2023 by Minister for Transport Antony Derjacques and came into full force on February 1.
Despite the repeal, the ministry maintains that the regulations still remains relevant, and is in line with the core mandates provided for within the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority Act 2019 and the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, as amended.
Both legislations call on the authority to register, identify, survey and inspect all vessels to ensure that those operating within the regulated areas are doing so in a lawful manner, and that they are safe and secure to operate within Seychelles’ waters.
According to the ministry, one of the main reasons behind the repeal is the fact that it is a mandatory requirement for all small vessels to be insured, either through a fully comprehensive or third party coverage.
This will allow insurance companies and its association to establish a more affordable and reasonable package for small vessel owners.
Vessel owners benefit from having an insurance policy which offers financial ease if ever their property or passengers, whether locals or tourists, are injured, lost at sea or suffer any other form of damage or accident.
Further to this, the repeal also follows certain public anxiety in reference to the cost of a boat survey and attestation of ownership. The ministry maintains that this is paramount to ensure that small vessels are seaworthy, and that a person taking command of a small vessel is proficient enough to operate such a vessel in the Seychelles waters.
Given that all parties need to be on the same page in order to ensure maximum coordination and effective implementation of this essential piece of legislation, the Seychelles Maritime and Safety Authority ()SMSA hopes to reintroduce a more adaptive regulation.
SMSA will take this opportunity to re-engage with the public, stakeholders, insurance companies, maritime surveyors, and boat and yacht charter companies through public meetings to ensure that personalised insurance schemes are drafted.
The regulation as a whole is instrumental in ensuring a safer and more secure maritime territory for the Seychelles. Our vast territorial waters need proper monitoring, code of conduct and safety for all its users.
This will help reduce marine accidents, illicit activities such as trafficking and transportation of drugs, noise pollution (in areas such Beau Vallon, Côte d’Or and Anse Royale) and the prevention of uncertified persons taking command of a vessel.
The request for such a regulation dates back to many years with national and international pressure for Seychelles to meet global best practices. It is our founding responsibility to protect our citizens who are frequently lost or stranded at sea and thus protecting the livelihood of essential seafarers, fishermen, locals and tourists using the sea.
On the other hand, the ministry wishes to express its appreciation to the small vessel operators who have come forward to attain their certificate of proficiency (COP), as well as the small vessel owners who have proceeded to having their boats insured and identified in line with the regulation.
This displays a clear commitment and willingness of those small vessel owners and operators towards safety and security.
Compiled by Laura Pillay