Department of Maritime Affairs About Us

Mission

To ensure the safety and security of shipping and the protection of the marine environment while providing the highest level of service to the local and international maritime community.

Functions

Primarily exist to ensure the safety and security of shipping and the protection of the marine environment.

Overview of Department of Maritime 

Despite the many challenges, coupled with very scarce resources, the Department of Maritime Affairs continues to make a concerted effort to discharge its roles and responsibilities as a respons ible flag, port and coastal state. In this context, the primary aim  is to ultimately create a safe and secure shipping environment to fac ilitate trade and other maritime activities.  In 2016 a number of projects will be initiated while others will be ongoing.

These inc lude but are not limited to the following:

1. Implementation of  the St Kitts and Nevis Hydrographic Program
2. Delim itation of Maritime Boundary Program
3. Licens ing of small commerc ial vessels
4. Establishment of the Aids to Navigation Program
5. Development of a  Master Plan for Frigate Bay  to avoid user conflict
6. Development of a Master Plan for Cockleshell Bay to avoid user conflict
7. Partnering with Ministry of Tourism  to develop Strategic Plan for yachting sector
8. Partnering with CFBC to establish Maritime Unit at CFBC
9. Reviving of Boat Master Training Courses
10. Partnering with Attorney General Chambers to develop regulations with respect to water
crafts to review and adopt Maritime Pollution Act
11. Partnering with CDA Technical Institute to establish Commerc ial Dive School