A commitment to provide top quality maritime services while preserving the delicate environment of Grenada is high on the agenda for the various organizations that work closely with the Grenada Ports Authority (GPA).
Grenada's Maritime Administration plays a key role in promoting higher standards of shipping, maritime safety, pollution control and training of seafarers.
However, the Administration's principal task is to manage the Grenada Register of Ships, established in 1997.
Owners and masters of Grenadian ships are required to register their vessels and have them surveyed for seaworthiness. The Administration has a pool of expertise in this sector and works closely with the ship survey company Tsunami Marine Ltd, of Trinidad & Tobago, to deliver a good-quality, reliable service.
The Administration is also responsible for the GPA's oil spill response. There has been investment by the GPA in new spill containment and clean-up equipment as well as special training for GPA and Coastguard staff.
Registration of Grenadian ships is governed by the Shipping Act 1994 and the Shipping (Registration) Regulations SRO 51 of 1997. All Grenadian ships over 24 metres LOA must be registered if they are to be taken outside Grenadian waters or if a mortgage is required.
The port of registry is St George's.
REGISTERING A SHIP
A ship may be registered only by qualified persons, that is, any citizen of CARICOM, any public body of CARICOM and any body, incorporated or not, authorised by the Minister for Shipping. At least 11/16ths of shares in a ship must be owned by qualified persons before the vessel is eligible to be registered.
Applications should be made to the Registrar of Ships, Grenada Ports Authority, PO Box 494, Carenage, St George's, Grenada, and must be accompanied by the relevant fee.
Documents required to register a ship:
Application for registration
Declaration of ownership
Notice of proposed ship's name
Declaration of appointment of managing owner or manager
Proof of survey for ships over 20 years old
Builder's certificate for new ships.
Upon successful registration, a certificate of registry is issued together with an official number which must be displayed on the ship. Any changes in details of registry must be notified to the Registrar.
(EC$ per tonne)
1 to 100 tonnes
7.0 (minimum EC$350)
101 to 500 tonnes
501 to 1,000 tonnes
1,001 to 5,000 tonnes
Over 5,000 tonnes
EC$3 per tonne (minimum EC$275)
Temporary pass
EC$300
Change of ship's name
Registration of alterations
Change of port of registry
Other charges include transfer of ownership, mortgages and transfer of mortgage registration, change to the registered ship and change in name of company. A current list of all charges is available from the Registrar of Ships.
Because of the many cruise ships, cargo vessels and yachts calling Grenada, there is a greater-than-ever focus on hygiene and anti-pollution measures at its ports.
Environmental Health Officers are concerned with hygiene in the ports, while Quarantine Officers are responsible for detecting and intercepting pests and diseases. Clearly, the introduction of unwanted pests could have a serious impact on the island's fragile environment.
Officers have the power to board and inspect any incoming vessel and to inspect samples of food and goods. Port sanitation is monitored and supervised to control insects and rodents. Garbage disposal is carefully controlled. All garbage must be sorted correctly and inspected by officers before being removed.
Officers liaise with shipping agents to ensure compliance from all vessels.
Thanks to the diligence and professionalism of these departments, cruise operators, holiday companies and potential investors can be sure that high standards of health and hygiene are a matter of priority for GPA.