Question: Ever wondered who ensures safe passage for ships in and out of Suriname? It’s the Maritieme Autoriteit Suriname.
The Maritieme Autoriteit Suriname or MAS plays a vital role. It guarantees the safe and efficient passage of seagoing vessels to and from Suriname. The MAS is part of the Ministry of Transport. It has a rich history dating back to 1947.
Before 1947 private individuals handled pilotage in the ports. The government then took over. Tasks included buoyage, beaconing, hydrography and supervision.
Over the years the service has been known by different names. On July 1 1947 it was called Haven & Loodswezen. March 25 1982 saw it renamed Dienst voor de Scheepvaart. Finally on May 14 1998 it became the Maritieme Autoriteit Suriname.
Around 2014 David Abiamofo became president-commissioner of the MAS. He is a former diplomat.
In 2002 Eddy Fitz-Jim and his wife Gré established the Maritiem Museum. Eddy Fitz-Jim was the MAS director at the time. Gré is an artist. The museum is located in the Flying Fish. This was the former residence of the naval commander.
The MAS actively engages in regional cooperation. In November 2024 it hosted the Regional Workshop on Marine Casualty Investigation and Reporting. Maritime professionals from the Caribbean attended. The goal was to enhance knowledge and skills in investigating and reporting marine accidents. Experts from the International Maritime Organization IMO shared their knowledge.
Michel Amafo director of the MAS sees this as an important step for Suriname. It offers the opportunity to train local maritime professionals.
Amafo believes Suriname’s legislation needs to be tightened for inland and coastal shipping. He notes the increasing shipping traffic due to the oil and gas industry. He emphasizes that over 90 percent of goods are transported via waterways.
The MAS also holds annual open days. These inform the community about the maritime sector’s importance to Suriname’s development. President Chandrikapersad Santokhi opened the event in 2023. He emphasized the need to invest in the maritime sector.
Mervel Kotzebue-Fleur of the national maritime association highlighted the maritime sector as the gateway to a country’s economy. The open days aim to inform and interest young people in contributing to the maritime sector.
The Maritieme Autoriteit Suriname continues to evolve. It adapts to the changing needs of the maritime industry. Its focus remains on safety efficiency and regional cooperation. The MAS ensures Suriname’s maritime future is secure.