OTTO CARRINGTON
Senior Reporter
Government’s push to modernise maritime operations moved a step closer to full rollout this week, as the Sail Clear system was placed under live testing at Chaguaramas, processing incoming cruisers in real time.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Tourism, Satyakama “Karma” Maharaj, said he was on site to observe the first live test of the system, describing it as a major shift away from outdated manual procedures in the maritime sector.
Sail Clear is an electronic notification platform used by yachts and pleasure craft operators to submit Customs declarations prior to arrival, replacing traditional paper-based documentation.
“You had to bring carbon paper and manually fill out forms. We decided to digitise and modernise the entire process. What used to take four to six hours should now take 10 to 15 minutes,” Maharaj said.
He stressed that the Chaguaramas exercise was not a ceremonial launch but a live operational test, with actual vessels being processed through the new digital system as part of its final refinement stage.
The minister said the reform forms part of a wider strategy to improve ease of doing business and strengthen Trinidad and Tobago’s competitiveness in the cruise and yachting sector.
Maharaj said Government is targeting significant expansion of the industry, with plans to grow cruise and yacht arrivals well beyond current levels.
“We had about 700 cruisers last year. Our aim is to grow that to 10,000 to start,” he said.
He also highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s strategic role as a safe harbour, referencing the recent Hurricane Melissa, during which vessels sought refuge locally.
“We are the only safe port in the region. We should be the cruising capital of the hemisphere,” Maharaj said.
He added that Government will intensify international promotion of the system and the wider maritime offering as it seeks to position the country as a regional hub for marine tourism.
President of Marine Services of Trinidad and Tobago, Jesse James, who was also present during the live test, said the implementation of Sail Clear represents long-awaited progress after decades of discussion.
“We’ve been trying for over 25 years to get this done. What I’ve seen happen in eight months is overwhelming for me. I’m lost for words,” he said.
James said the live system will reduce delays associated with manual processing and improve efficiency for operators entering Trinidad and Tobago waters.
He added that the reform will also generate skilled employment opportunities and increase foreign exchange earnings as the sector expands.
“These are skilled jobs, not handouts. These are families and generations teaching real maritime skills and services,” James said.
The system is expected to undergo further refinement following the live test ahead of its official national rollout in May.
