The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) has announced a country-wide survey of all the commercial and domestic vessels in its waters to ensure it has accurate data on its maritime community.

As Jamaica’s marine administration, MAJ said it has among its roles, obligations to provide for maritime safety and protection of the marine environment from potential damage caused by maritime activities which are on the increase in Jamaica’s waters.

To more effectively carry out this mandate, during the months of December 2013 to May 2014, MAJ will embark on a project to conduct island-wide surveys of all vessels domiciled in Jamaican waters in an effort to maintain an accurate account of the numbers and types of vessels using its waters for both commercial and personal purposes.

The project will gather data to assist with informing the decisions not only of the Maritime Authority but also other Government agencies to determine the certificates, licences and permits issued for the best utilization of Jamaica’s maritime space, as it continues to ensure the safety, environmental protection and sustainable development of its maritime transportation industry.

Admiral Peter Brady, Director General of the MAJ, said: “We anticipate a robust and successful effort, with the full co-operation and assistance from the maritime community, as they make available the relevant information needed to complete the survey. All the surveyors involved in the project will be properly identified by the MAJ. Through this effort, the MAJ remains steadfast in its support of Jamaica’s Vision 2030 to make Jamaica the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business.”