The Antigua Port Authority has announced a comprehensive tightening of safety and compliance protocols for water taxis and pleasure craft operating within St John’s Harbour. This regulatory enhancement mandates that all maritime operators must possess full licensing, ensure proper vessel registration, and strictly adhere to safety mandates including life jacket provisions and passenger capacity limits.
Port Manager Darwin Telemaque emphasized that the new measures address growing concerns about unregulated vessel movements near large ships, which have caused navigational unease and potential hazards. The authority has designated Marine Manager James Lee to supervise compliance enforcement as these regulations take immediate effect.
Concurrently, the Port Authority is evaluating the Montserrat Ferry Terminal’s temporary relocation site as a potential permanent water taxi hub. This consideration follows observed improvements in congestion management within cruise ship zones since the terminal’s interim use.
These coordinated efforts aim to elevate safety standards, optimize harbor traffic flow, and establish a more organized marine ecosystem. The Port Authority has explicitly notified operators that permits issued by external agencies will no longer grant access to port jurisdictions without full compliance with these updated requirements.