A government-issued photo ID must now be presented by every person over 16 who intends to use the Water Taxi service.
The new requirement is in accordance with the Shipping (Local Passenger Ship Safety) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024 Section 12C, which mandates that the Water Taxi Service provide the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard with a list of names of passengers and crew, prior to every sailing.
The National Infrastructure Development Company Limited (NIDCO) explained that the amended Regulations are meant to ensure an accurate record of all personnel aboard the vessels is available.
NIDCO said the record is particularly useful in the event of an emergency.
As such, with immediate effect, the names of all passengers will be recorded by Customer Service Representatives, prior to boarding.
Passengers over 16 will be required to present a valid Government-issued photo identification. The ID may be in the form of the passenger’s Driver’s Permit, National ID or Passport.
Passengers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
The new compliance measures have the potential to cause delays, so NIDCO urged passengers to arrive early for their travel, as sailings will be closed off 10 minutes before the scheduled departure times.