The Caribbean is set to strengthen its maritime governance framework through two newly approved initiatives funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Oman. These projects aim to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in better implementing IMO instruments, enhancing safety, security, environmental protection, and legislative capacity across the region.
Carib-SAP: A Strategic Blueprint for Regional Maritime Development
The first project, Carib-SAP, focuses on addressing gaps in national maritime strategies required under the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code). Many Caribbean SIDS and LDCs lack comprehensive national strategies essential for coordinated implementation of IMO conventions.
Carib-SAP will develop a Model Overall Strategy Toolkit, which will later serve as the backbone of a full Caribbean Regional Maritime Strategy and Action Plan. Oman is funding the preparatory first phase, which involves analytical studies, consultations, and groundwork for building the toolkit.
The ultimate goal is to equip Member States with practical tools for preparing, updating, and executing their national maritime strategies. The project aims to promote stronger regional coordination, enhanced implementation of IMO instruments, and support for digitalization, maritime safety, security, environmental protection, and sustainable blue economy growth.
Carib-SMART-Law: Strengthening Maritime Legislation and Enforcement
The second project, Carib-SMART-Law, funded by Saudi Arabia, addresses legislative and institutional gaps that often delay the adoption and enforcement of IMO instruments.
Running over 24 months, this initiative will build specialized legislative drafting capacity, strengthen enforcement mechanisms, and improve policy alignment within participating States. The project will support drafting maritime laws, improving inter-agency coordination protocols, and refining national maritime policy strategies.
Coordinated through the IMO’s Regional Presence Office, Carib-SMART-Law will help countries more effectively ratify, transpose, and implement priority IMO conventions, enabling smoother compliance and stronger maritime governance across the region.
Beneficiary Countries
Both projects will support the following Caribbean nations:
Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Through Carib-SAP and Carib-SMART-Law, the Caribbean region is taking a major step toward modernizing its maritime governance framework. With targeted support from Oman and Saudi Arabia, these initiatives will help strengthen national strategies, improve legislative capacity, and drive consistent implementation of IMO instruments. Together, they pave the way for safer, more secure, and more sustainable maritime operations across the Caribbean.
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Source: IMO
