On April 30, 2025, the Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority (SMSA) held a crucial sensitization meeting with the Seychelles Insurance Association. The primary objective of this meeting was to enhance collaboration between maritime regulatory bodies and insurance providers, ensuring that all stakeholders are well-informed about the roles and responsibilities concerning maritime commercial activities.
The main goal of the meeting was to discuss how the SMSA can work more effectively with insurance companies to streamline processes related to maritime safety and compliance. This includes understanding how insurance plays a vital role in mitigating risks associated with maritime operations. By fostering a better relationship between these two entities, the SMSA aims to ensure that all maritime activities are adequately insured, thereby enhancing overall safety standards within Seychelles’ waters.
During the meeting, representatives from the SMSA presented detailed information regarding the functions of both the Registration Department and Licensing Department. These departments are integral to ensuring that vessels operating in Seychelles’ waters meet safety regulations and have appropriate insurance coverage for their commercial activities.
Registration Department: This department is responsible for registering vessels and ensuring they comply with national and international maritime laws. It plays a critical role in verifying that all registered vessels possess valid insurance policies that cover potential liabilities during their operations.
Licensing Department: The Licensing Department oversees the issuance of licenses for maritime operators. This includes assessing whether operators have sufficient insurance coverage as part of their licensing requirements. The department emphasized that proper insurance not only protects operators but also safeguards passengers and cargo against unforeseen incidents at sea.
The meeting yielded several positive outcomes such as;
Enhanced Understanding: Both parties gained a deeper understanding of each other’s roles, which is essential for effective collaboration.
Improved Communication: Establishing direct lines of communication between SMSA and insurance providers will facilitate quicker resolutions to issues related to vessel registration and licensing.
Increased Compliance: By working together, it is anticipated that compliance rates regarding insurance coverage among maritime operators will improve significantly.
Future Collaborations: The meeting laid the groundwork for future joint initiatives aimed at promoting safety standards within Seychelles’ maritime industry.
In conclusion, this sensitization meeting marked an important step towards strengthening partnerships between regulatory authorities and insurers in Seychelles’ maritime sector. By aligning objectives and enhancing communication, both organizations can contribute significantly to safer maritime operations in the region.
Picture: From Left to Right Mr. Micheal Gabriel Examiner Deck, Ms. Anissa Vengadasamy Senior Licensing Officer, Ms. Patsy Theresine Senior Registration Officer, Mr. Andy GOBINE Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Percy Quatre Chairperson of Insurance Association of Seychelles, Ms. Esha Benoiton Senior Licensing Officer.
