Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) on August 28 2024, welcomed His Excellency Jens Kraus-Masse, the German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and exploring opportunities for collaboration in the maritime sector.
The Executive Director of SLMA, Mr. Daniel Kaitibi, and his Deputy, Mr. Emmanuel Lansana, along with Directors of Safety and Security, Shipping and Environment, Audit, Finance, and Administration, warmly received Ambassador Kraus-Masse at the SLMA headquarters. In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Kaitibi expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for taking the time to visit and learn more about the SLMA’s mission, activities, and ongoing initiatives.
During the meeting, Ambassador Kraus-Masse commended the SLMA for its relentless efforts to transition from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) blacklist to the whitelist, a significant milestone that reflects Sierra Leone’s commitment to upholding international maritime standards. “I am particularly impressed with the strides the SLMA has made in enhancing maritime safety and compliance,” said the Ambassador. “I look forward to learning more about the measures being implemented to achieve this important goal.”
Mr Kaitibi provided a detailed overview of the SLMA’s ship registry, highlighting that the registry is based in Cyprus, and operates in strict adherence to international standards to ensure safety and security at sea. He emphasized the Administration’s commitment to maintaining high standards of maritime governance and compliance.
Addressing the challenges facing the maritime sector in Sierra Leone, Mr Kaitibi pointed out that the country’s lighthouse is currently non-functional, underscoring the critical need for a functional lighthouse to enhance navigational safety. He also mentioned the necessity for improved navigational aids, such as the installation of buoys, and emphasized the importance of establishing a contemporary search and rescue operation. “Currently, there is no capacity to organize large-scale rescue operations,” Mr. Kaitibi noted, highlighting the urgent need for capacity-building support.
The Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Emmanuel Lansana, stressed the need for inter-agency stakeholder coordination, which is crucial in ensuring safety and security in the Maritime domain. He mentioned the efforts of the Joint Maritime Committee (JMC), which brings stakeholders together, but noted the lack of funds for its proper functioning over the years.
On the strengths and competencies of the SLMA, Mr. Wurie, Director of Safety and Security, outlined the Administration’s focus on maritime safety and security, as well as the protection of the marine environment and training of seafarers. He stressed the importance of these areas in enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the maritime sector in Sierra Leone. Outlining the strategic measures implemented by the SLMA to move from the IMO blacklist. Mr. Wurie stated that the Administration de-registered sub-standard ships, increased monitoring and oversight, used exclusive surveyors and strengthened partnerships with development partners; providing real-time Intel for coordinated actions.
Both the Ambassador and Mr Kaitibi emphasized the need for a Maritime Security Coordinator and a Regional Monitoring Agency to bolster maritime security and surveillance in the region.
In conclusion, Mr. Kaitibi made a strong appeal for support from the German Government, particularly in the areas of search and rescue operations, the enhancement of navigational aids and human capital development. He expressed optimism that with the support of international partners like Germany, the SLMA could overcome its current challenges and achieve its vision of becoming a leading maritime administration in the region.
The visit ended with a renewed commitment from both parties to explore avenues for further cooperation and support to enhance Sierra Leone’s maritime capabilities.
