MARAD’s communication systems inadequate – MV Barima COI Commissioner

Last Updated on Thursday, 22 October 2026, 22:02 by Writer

The Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) communication systems appear inadequate, the Rear Admiral (Ret’d) of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force, Hayden Pritchard, said during Wednesday’s hearing of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the capsizing of the MV Barima ferry more than three months ago.

“To me, and from my experience, that seems kind of sparse,” said the maritime expert who is one of five experts appointed by President Irfaan Ali to probe the tragedy that occurred on July 18 about 10 miles off the Essequibo Coast. 

Mr Pritchard made the observation after Guyana’s acting Harbour Master Romain Seurattan detailed that MARAD uses computers, very high frequency (VHF) radios, phones and handheld radio. 

Mr Seurattan declined Mr Pritchard’s invitation to recommend improved communication systems “to maybe augment the equipment that is already there” based on his experience at MARAD and “being familiar with that environment”.

“I cannot advise what will be needed, what is needed at that level. But recommendations have already been made,” the harbour master said.

He opted to provide a copy of recommendations that had been previously submitted to his seniors.

Mr Seurattan said not many incidents occur at the ports and reports are compiled and dispatched to the Director General of Maritime Safety.

Meanwhile, MARAD trainee pilot Shamar Morrison said communicating with other persons at sea is often difficult because of weak signals.

He recommended that Starlink satellite internet system be installed.

He also told the inquiry that he did not have any communication with aircraft aboard the vessel that he was travelling.

He was unsure whether the vessel could communicate with aircraft of the Guyana Defence Force Air Corps, and said there was no VHF aviation band on the pilot boat.

Mr Morrison told the COI that he briefed other personnel on how to rescue persons from the water either by hand or by life rings. He said he also cautioned the team that the vessels should not be too close to persons in the water to avoid hitting and rendering them unconscious or unresponsive.

“It appears that you are more qualified than the other members of the SAR (search and rescue) team,” Mr Pritchard said.

He said he rescued the captain and first mate of the MV Barima and covered them with blankets because their body temperature might have decreased as a result of being in the water for a long time.

Saying his training by MATPAL and EnerMech Guyana included the subjects of medical care and search and rescue, Mr Morrison added that he worked closely with Coast Guard Commander (Ret’d) John Flores who heads MARAD’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC).

Mr Morrison, who would eventually sit a MARAD practical and theoretical examination to become a pilot, recalled Public Works Minister Juan Edghill urging him not to take any pictures that could find themselves in the media.

Minister Edghill was there also.

He said, “guys, just focus on what you’re doing and try not to release any pictures. because we don’t want to create any stir in the media,” the trainee pilot said.