Approximately 27 Operators representing various local Jet Ski companies participated in a Jet Ski Certification and Refresher Course facilitated by the Division of Maritime Affairs held on November 21, 2022. The training endeavored to apprise participants of the; Rules of the road, Customer Service, Operating Conditions, and Compound Offences.

In seeking to fulfill its mandate to regulate marine and maritime activities in Saint Lucia's waterways, the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority recognized the need to develop a national policy on personal watercraft (PWC).The policy intends to strengthen the current policy framework and enable a safe operating environment for riders, bathers, boaters, and others sharing the same working space.

"It is paramount that we sensitize our operators on the importance of the boating sector to the tourism industry and their potential as operators to influence the tourism product positively," said the Director of Maritime Affairs, Christopher Alexander. "It all boils down to safety. Safety of the operators within the maritime industry and the sectors in which they operate."

The Director further expressed SLASPA's continued strides and commitment to ensuring the safety of all seafarers: "Through the Division of Maritime Affairs, we will continue to work with industry-related partners and stakeholders to protect the boating sector and to ensure the viability of the tourism product."

The workshop forms part of a sensitization program hosted by the Division of Maritime Affairs. It involves a series of activities geared toward sensitizing members on new procedures and technologies, maritime safety and security, changes in the industry, and the seafarers' contribution to a sustainable maritime sector.

Upon completion of the session, operators were awarded Certificates of Participation and issued Jet Ski Licenses valid for one year.