With the main events for Tobago Carnival fast approaching, the Maritime Services Division of Trinidad and Tobago is warning people against using unauthorised or unregistered boats to travel between Trinidad and Tobago, stressing that convenience should never come at the expense of safety.
The warning comes from the Director of the Maritime Services Division, Ronald Alfred, who is urging passengers not to use informal or unauthorised vessels for last-minute trips to Tobago during the Carnival season.
He said while some may see such options as a quick alternative when regular transportation is unavailable, the risks involved can be significant, particularly when vessels have not undergone the required inspections or obtained the necessary approvals.
“I was thinking about this whole issue of the informal, and I was saying to myself it’s almost like a PH taxi and nobody considers the risk, the risk meaning that you can go on a boat to go to Tobago and what about if you end up somewhere else and you never come back?”
He noted that vessels providing commercial passenger transport between Trinidad and Tobago must be properly registered and licensed to operate.
“Beside the permit, your vessel should be registered, which entails an inspection, and you would be advised of all the safety equipment you’re supposed to have, the radios, the GPS, the compasses, and life jackets, and so on.”
He added that all passenger vessels, including pirogues used for commercial transport, should carry a valid Passenger Safety Certificate, which verifies not only the vessel’s compliance with safety requirements but also the qualifications and competency of its captain and crew.
“A lot of people can operate boats, but can they operate them safely?”
For those unable to secure travel arrangements this year, Mr Alfred is urging them not to take unnecessary risks at sea and instead plan well in advance for future events.