Gaps in the Maritime Administration Department’s documentation for older government ferries, including the MV Barima, remained unresolved at the end of 2022, seven years after former Director of Maritime Safety Captain John Flores took up the post, the Commission of Inquiry heard today.
Flores testified that when he assumed the position in 2015, MARAD had to approach the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) for copies of registration documents and certificates to begin compiling files for the vessels.
While newly acquired vessels had certification, the department struggled to locate documentation for older ferries, he said.
“We really could not find any documentation for those,” Flores told the commission.
He acknowledged that the gaps had not been resolved when he left the position at the end of 2022.
The commission, which is investigating the July 18 sinking of the Barima, questioned Flores about inspection findings, missing certificates and the safety documentation available to the maritime regulator.
Flores acknowledged seeing inspection reports identifying deficiencies, including missing safety certificates and problems involving emergency equipment and pollution controls.
He said serious deficiencies could result in vessels being prevented from operating until corrective work was completed. During his tenure, he reviewed inspection reports and recommended action to MARAD’s Director General, who had authority to make the relevant decision.
However, Flores could not recall the specific deficiencies recorded against individual ferries, including the Barima and Lady Northport. He said the inspection records would have to be examined to establish those details.
Asked about safety certificates, load-line certificates, stability booklets and loading manuals, Flores said he was uncertain which requirements applied to the government-operated ferries.
He indicated that the applicable legal requirements needed to be clarified, including whether the ferries operated under a different certification regime.
Flores also testified that he had never requested an inclining experiment. He said he had seen stability documentation for other vessels, but not for ferries.
He told the commission that inspection reports and reports prepared by external surveyors were archived at MARAD. Those records could establish the deficiencies identified and the action taken in response.
The commission is examining the Barima’s seaworthiness, regulatory oversight and the emergency response to its capsizing and sinking off the Essequibo Coast on July 18.
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