ABOUT US
Mission Statement & Vision
Based on our Strategic Business Plan 2024 – 2029, our vision for the coming six years is formulated as follows:
“TO BE A PROFESSIONAL, COMMERCIAL ORIENTED, INNOVATIVE AND LEADING ORGANIZATION.”
“INITIATING AND FACILITATING MARITIME DEVELOPMENT.”
Mission Statement
“ASSURING SAFE, SECURE, ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND, EFFICIENT AND SUSTAINABLE MARITIME DEVELOPMENT.”
Quality Policy
Based on its objective, the MAS decided in 2007 to certify its business activities and processes. Since then, the company has been ISO 9001 certified. We attach great value to quality service.
The MAS quality policy is based on the following 8(eight) quality principles:
- Customer focus
- Leadership
- Employee involvement
- Process approach
- Systems approach to management
- Fact-based decision making
- Win-win relationships.
8. Continuous improvement
From this point of view, all relevant national legal and regulatory articles and standards of the International Hydrographic Organization, the International Maritime Organization, the International Association of Maritime Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities, the International Maritime Pilotage Association, the Caribbean Cargo Safety Code and the Small Commercial Safety Code of Ships operating in the Caribbean applied in its corporate procedures and all its business activities. The MAS quality policy aims to provide our services in a safe, secure, efficient and environmentally friendly manner in order to meet the expectations and requirements of its customers. The MAS has committed to achieving its strategic goals in the period 2024-2029. These goals can be found in the MAS Strategic Business Plan.
WORKING AT THE MAS
Working at the MAS is working in a dynamic, learning-challenging and innovative environment. We focus a lot on the growth of our employees in various respects. A quality service depends strongly on the competencies and insights of our employees. We are also an equal opportunity employer that offers both men and women sufficient scope for self-development.
INTERNSHIPS & GRADUATE PROJECTS
Students who want to do an internship or graduate project with us can send a letter to the Human Resource Manager, Mr. Jerry Douglas, E-mail: jdouglas@mas.sr
Core Tasks
The MAS is, by law, MAS (Bulletin of acts and decrees 1998 No. 37) sui generis set up as a legal person. which means ‘ only one of its kind ‘. As they run several executive and controlling authority tasks within the shipping industry. The core tasks are:
- Piloting of sea-going vessels to and from the ports.
- Carrying out Hydrographic measurements according to international standards.
- Mapping and marking the rivers.
- The detection of sunken objects and obstacles.
- Registering, and accept by vessels flying the Surinamese waters
- Investigating incidents in inland waters.
- Treating license applications.
- Monitoring of civil works
- Maintaining the waterway markings
- Carry out inspections (Port State Control) on foreign ships.
- Monitoring and guiding the traffic on the inland and coastal waters
- Monitor the compliance with legal regulations regarding shipping
- The certification of port facilities according to the international shipping and port facility security (ISPS) standards
MAS HISTORY
On July 1, 2007 we commemorated 60 years of maritime development. Looking back on more than half a century, we may conclude that there were more storms and turbulent waters than calm weather and clear blue skies. But it may just be because of those storms that the MAS could achieve many goals and see to it that, at present, Suriname carries weight in the international world of shipping.
MAS ORGANOGRAM
MAS COMPANY PROFILE
The Port & Pilotage Service was established on 1 July 1947. This service was led by a Harbor Master and was responsible for Pilotage, Hydrography, Concrete and Beaconing. The pilot service was previously carried out by private individuals. The Shipping Supervision task was later added to the service. The service changed on 25 March 1982 to Shipping Service and on 14 May 1998 to Maritime Authority Suriname (MAS).
Nationally and internationally, the MAS plays an increasing role and it is of great importance for the economy of Suriname. Developments in the world are constantly making higher demands on safe, secure and environmentally friendly waterways and shipping. In Suriname the MAS supervises compliance with legal regulations of the Shipping. It guarantees the safe and efficient passage of seagoing vessels from and to Suriname based on internationally accepted standards, rules and conventions ratified by Suriname. The company strives to become the best Maritime Authority of the Region.
In the coming years, the company therefore wants to pursue a “proactive” policy and grow into an innovative company in the sector. With Mr. M. Amafo LL.M as director, supported by a 5-member management team, 36 staff members and 103 CAO employees, the company is meeting this challenge.
Some of the MAS employees are employed at the branch in Nickerie.
Furthermore, the MAS has a Maritime library, a Maritime Museum and an educational space. The latter is also rented to third parties. The Caribbean Maritime Information Center (CMIC) is also housed at the MAS.
THE MARITIME AUTHORITY SURINAME AIMS:
- ENSURE A SAFE AND EFFICIENT PASSAGE OF SEA-GOING VESSELS TO AND FROM SURINAME BASIS ON INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTED STANDARDS AND RULES AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANDATES GIVEN BY SURINAME RATIFIED INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS;
- MONITORING OF COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS ON THE SHIPPING AND MARITIME TRAFFIC;
Integra Marine & Freight Services
This company plays a leading role in the Suriname in the field of maritime and shipping industry.
National Disaster Management Coordination Centre (NCCR)
The NCCR has the task of advising, monitoring and coordinating the development of contingency plans within the total health care and ensuring the necessary training.
The National Institute for Environment and Development (NIMOS)
The NIMOS ensures the development of a national legal framework for environmental policy and environmental management in the interests of sustainable development.
Traymore N.V.
This company invests in the trade and in the shipping industry of the Republic of Suriname and is the owner and operator of the port of Moengo.
Suriname Business Association (VSB)
VSB is a collaboration of people that a company in Suriname. The Association aims at the representation of the interests of its members and the promotion of economic and social well-being of the community.
VSH United
This company is a group of companies founded in 1958 with their head office in Paramaribo, Suriname. The activities of the groups include shipping, trade, industry, real estate development. Other associated companies are involved in insurance, Banking and in the hospitality industry.
Ministry of Transport Communication and Tourism
Association of Caribbean States (ACS)
The ACS aims to promote consultation and cooperation between all the countries of the Caribbean.
Caribbean memorandum of understanding on Port State Control
The CMOU regime strives to be an eye in the sail to keep it in the whole region, and to ensure that shipping is conducted in a safe and environmentally friendly way.
Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA)
The need for an effective, broad Association to monitor, discuss and share information in support of the growth and development of the shipping in the Caribbean.
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO)
The IHO is an intergovernmental consultative and technical organization founded in 1921. This to the safety of navigation and the protection of the marine environment.
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The IMO has the responsibility for the safety of shipping and prevention of marine pollution by ships.
International Seabed Authority (ISA)
The ISA is an autonomous international organization under the United Nations of 1982 established. Convention on the law of the sea and the agreement of 1994 relating to the implementation of part XI of the United Nations Convention on the law of the sea.
International Maritime Pilots Association
IMPA is a non-profit association with a truly international orientation. The achievement of the main objective – the promotion of professionally sound and safe pilotage – in two ways.
Meso American-Caribbean Sea Hydrographic Commission (MACHC)
The MACHC was originally established as the Caribbean Sea-Gulf of Mexico Hydrographic Commission (CGMHC) in Havana, Cuba, 25-27 May 1994, on the occasion of its first meeting, on the initiative of Cuba, the Netherlands, United States of America, Guyana and Mexico
Organization of American States (OAS)
The OAS is an international organization that consists of 35 independent States on the American continent. It was founded on April 30, 1948 in Bogota, Colombia and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. in the United States.
United States Coast Guard (USCG)
The USCG is one of the five armed forces of the United States and the only military organization within the Department of Homeland Security it is a unique tool for the maritime safety, security and allows for the environment
International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA)
IALA is a non-profit, international technical association. Established in 1957, it gathers together Marine Aids to Navigation authorities, manufacturers, consultants, and, scientific and training institutes from all parts of the world and offers them the opportunity to exchange and compare their experiences and achievements.
Shipping Agents
