Saint Lucia is set to establish a National Maritime Authority, a move that will separate regulatory oversight from port operations and modernise the country’s maritime governance framework.

The announcement was made on Monday during a Maritime Symposium hosted by the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA), where officials outlined a suite of reforms aimed at enhancing safety, professional standards and international compliance.

Speaking on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport, Permanent Secretary Lorraine Matthew said the Cabinet-appointed committee leading the reform is chaired by her office.

“This reform will separate the regulatory functions of the Division of Maritime Affairs from SLASPA’s operational mandate,” she explained, “… eliminating conflict of interest and ensuring a modern transport governance structure.”

The symposium brought together key stakeholders from across the maritime sector to discuss critical issues, emerging opportunities, and strategies to advance Saint Lucia’s maritime industry.

Maritime Symposium. (Photo Credit: Josiah St. Luce )

Matthew described the event as “a critical platform for dialogue, collaboration and alignment,” where policy, regulation and innovation converge “to chart the way forward for a safer, greener and more prosperous maritime industry”.

Among the initiatives highlighted was the National Demarcation Programme to enhance safety and spatial management along Saint Lucia’s coastline.

“All equipment has been procured and technical training finalised,” Matthew said, noting that contractor selection is underway. Rodney Bay was selected as the first site due to its high density of marine activity. 

Permanent Secretary Lorraine Matthew at SLASPA’s Maritime Symposium.(Photo Credit: Josiah St. Luce)

Additional reforms include:

• Licensing and certification upgrades: A new log book system will track the experience and credentials of captains and crew, while a crew apprentice licence will offer structured entry for new seafarers.
• Streamlined vessel concessions: Procedures have been simplified to encourage investment and operational efficiency across vessels, marine engines, navigation aids and other components.
• Enhanced safety and environmental measures: New protocols in Castries, Rodney Bay, Marigot Bay and Soufrière aim to preserve marine reserves, enforce no-wake zones and regulate high-risk activities such as jet ski operations in protected areas.

At the international level, Matthew reaffirmed Saint Lucia’s support for the High Seas Treaty, also known as the BBNJ Agreement. She described it as a vital tool for global cooperation in biodiversity conservation and equitable access to marine resources and technology.

Domestically, Saint Lucia continues to modernise its maritime legislative framework. Key measures include finalising the Open Ship Registry Framework, enacting the Marine Pollution Bill, and introducing High-Speed Craft Regulations and Port State Control regulations.

These reforms, Matthew said, “collectively strengthen Saint Lucia’s compliance with international conventions and reinforce our position as a responsible maritime sector”.