PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Marine Affairs Inspector Claudius Carty from the Department of Civil Aviation & Shipping and Maritime attended a US Coast Guard Marine Inspector course in York Town, Virginia (USA) at the US Coast Guard Training Center, from May 28 to June 28.
Carty passed with a 98% grade and, apart from that accomplishment, his overall performance was recognized, earning him the Lt. Commander William B. Turek Award for his overall outstanding performance.
The award is the Lieutenant Commander William B. Turek Award, given to the person "who, as voted by classmates, most exemplifies the personal qualities necessary in a Coast Guard Marine Inspector: professionalism, integrity, flexibility, and an overriding concern for the safety of vessel personnel," according to the letter from P.M. Tubalado, LCDR, Chief, Inspection and Investigation School.
Secretary General, a.i., of the Ministry Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunication Miguel de Weever and Department Head of Civil Aviation & Shipping and Maritime Louis Halley congratulated Carty on his outstanding performance. "We are proud of Mr. Carty and his performance. He is an outstanding civil servant and an example to all."
In addition, we wanted to thank the US Coast Guard for their assistance and support, not only for the reduction of the cost of the course from $11,000 to just $1,600 but also for the general and ongoing working relationship in the Marine Inspection area.
So far, Carty has completed 2 out of the 3 courses necessary, Halley said. In October, he will go for the third. There were 27 other persons from the US coast guard who took part in the course; Carty was the only Non-Coast Guard inspector. The marine officer is vital to the further development of St. Maarten. Their main task as a government marine inspector is: to inspect ships, boats, tugs, tankers, barges, dredges and their components and machinery to ensure they meet crew and passenger safety regulations and construction standards.