Turks and Caicos Islands Department of Maritime and Shipping Conducts Proxy Audit for IMO Instrument Implementation Code

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT of Maritime and Shipping

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands December 11,  2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Department of Maritime and Shipping proudly announces the commencement of the proxy audit process for the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Instrument Implementation Code (IIC). This initiative underscores the department’s steadfast commitment to enhancing maritime safety, environmental protection, and sustainable ocean governance in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

As a member of the Red Ensign Group of shipping registries, the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), through the United Kingdom(UK) as the flag State, are responsible for implementing many international maritime conventions that have been extended, namely, the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and its protocol, the Load Line and its protocol and the Collision Regulations (COLREG). The audit, in turn, will provide TCI with a comprehensive and objective assessment of how effectively it administers and implements these instruments.

The opening meeting was held on December 2, 2024 in Providenciales. Government departments and statutory bodies with maritime responsibilities were present. Ms. Thecla Joseph, Director of Maritime and Shipping, stated, “It is reasonably expected that the audit scheme will bring about many benefits, such as identifying where capacity-building activities would have the greatest effect, targeting of appropriate action to improve performance and TCI would receive valuable feedback, intended to assist the island in improving its capacity to put the applicable instruments into practice.”

Ms. Joseph further emphasises that other government agencies will be obligated to take part in the audit as the responsibility for Coastal State obligations in the TCI is not within the control of one body but is shared between several government departments and statutory bodies.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Immigration and Border Services, Mr. Pascal Bacchus, provided the feature remarks, stating, “I want to emphasise that this is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it is about fostering a culture of continuous improvement within our maritime sector. The findings from this audit will guide us in developing policies that comply with international standards and reflect our unique context as islanders who depend on healthy marine ecosystems.” He also emphasised the importance of collaboration between local authorities and the United Kingdom, exemplifying how shared knowledge can lead to enhanced outcomes for all involved.

The IMO Instrument Implementation Code is a vital framework designed to enhance the capacity of member states to implement international maritime conventions effectively. This code is a benchmark for assessing how well countries adhere to their obligations under various maritime treaties. To TCI, it is not merely an administrative exercise; it represents our dedication to ensuring that our waters are safe, secure, and environmentally sound.

The Department of Maritime and Shipping extends gratitude to the United Kingdom and the Red Ensign Group for their vital support in facilitating the audit. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to fostering maritime excellence across the region.

Government officials and stakeholders are encouraged to actively engage in the audit process, contributing their insights and expertise. Together, we can establish a robust maritime framework that protects the interests of the Turks and Caicos Islands while setting an example for regional leadership in sustainable maritime practices.

The audit is was held from December 2 – 6, 2024.