Implementation
MAC, through the Curaçao Shipping Inspection, oversees the working of all Kingdom and national shipping legislation in its territorial waters.
Ship-based safety and pollution prevention regulations are implemented by the Shipping Inspection, and maritime activities are regulated under the Curaçao Maritime Ordinance, which the MAC supervises. Foreign vessels are allowed free passage through our territorial waters, unless nuclear or extremely dangerous cargo is held aboard. The ordinance regulates maritime activities that are potentially dangerous or harmful to the marine environment.
Permits to allow such activities can be obtained from the Minister of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning and should be requested with the MAC. Such activities include underwater cleaning, ship-to-ship transfers at sea, bunkering at sea, scientific research at sea and unsafe or potentially harmful building activities in our territorial waters. Ship traffic in these waters is monitored by the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) and can be fined by the MAC. The main lighthouses on the island are monitored and operated by the MAC. Ships entering the Ports of Curaçao are monitored by the Curaçao Ports Authority (CPA) and piloted by the Curaçao Pilot Organization (CPO) and Curaçao Towage Company (KTK), under supervision of the Curaçao Harbor Master, who appointed by the government.
