SAFETY AT BANJUL BARRA CROSSING POINTS

Cognizant of the temporal unavailability of the Ferries at the Banjul-Barra crossing points and the resultant increased demand for canoes as the only available mode of transport at the crossing points, in line with the Gambia Maritime Administration Act 2006 which mandates GMA as the Agency responsible for ensuring safety of life at sea throughout Gambian waters; GMA is informing all canoe owners and the public of the following measures in place at the Banjul-Barra Crossing Points to enhance safety of life at sea :
1. Only GMA licensed canoes will be allowed to carry passengers or cargo at the crossing point.
2. There will be strict enforcement of the requirement for all passengers and crew to wear a life jacket when boarding a canoe.
3. The operating period for all passenger and cargo canoes is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The GMA is urging passengers at the Banjul-Barra crossing points and all other river crossing points in The Gambia to ensure compliance with the safety regulations governing their operations at all times. Boat owners are reminded that the unavailability of the Ferries should not be a reason for them to flout the safety rules by overloading their canoes and failing to ensure that all passengers onboard their canoes wear a life jacket.

GMA is appealing to Canoe Owners not to overcharge passengers beyond the normal charges, due to the high demand for canoes. GMA further appeals to the Gambia Navy to ensure enforcement of the safety rules at the Landing Sites. The public is advised to follow the safety protocols when embarking on canoes and exercise patience while the different actors in the sector work to ensure a resolution to the current situation.

GMA Management