Seaports closed indefinitely in coronavirus measure

-int’l merchant vessels excluded

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has announced that all seaports in Guyana will be closed until further notice.

In an advisory to mariners on Friday, MARAD stated that all seaports in Guyana will be closed to international vessels, with the exception of international merchant ships from today, March 21, until further advised as part of measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

This comes just days after it was announced by the Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority that Guyana’s two international airports will be closed to all international flights from March 18th for a period of two weeks with exceptions made for outgoing, cargo and medevac flights and technical stops.

However, during the two week closure, it was noted that the situation would be monitored and if necessary the closure could be extended.

A number of companies and government agencies have taken measures to protect their employees and even customers from contracting COVID-19. Against this background, MARAD in its advisory stated that during this period no shore leave or crew exchanges would be granted to crew currently onboard vessels. Additionally, entrance to Guyana’s ports will only be granted in accordance with established procedures.

MARAD also intends to reduce traffic at its offices and it urged stakeholders, operators, and owners of vessels, shipping agents and the general public to submit all of their inquiries via Electronic Mail or via telephone at 592-225-7330. It also urged that payments for permits to operate in the Exclusive Economic Zone and for Crude Lifting Activities be made via wire transfer or direct deposit providing that the necessary approvals are granted.

The agency asked that all other correspondences in relation to certificates, licenses be submitted to dms@marad.gov.gy while applications in relation to in-water permits, marine construction, dredging and inspection be submitted to ports@marad.gov.gy

It further advised that entities with existing credit arrangements with MARAD submit their credit requests for vessels’ clearances and others that do not have credit arrangements with the administration to submit documents to yharris@marad.gov.gy.

MARAD assured mariners that the organization is committed to ensuring the safety of its staff and seafarers and will continue to monitor the situation so as to implement measures in line with directives from the Ministry of Public Health.