Dr. Guno Castelen (third left), director of commercial affairs and corporate planning and development of N.V. Havenbeheer Suriname, is presented with a copy of 'The History of the Shipping Association of Jamaica (SAJ), 1939-2005', by SAJ President, Michael Bernard, at the association's office during a recent visit by a delegation from the Suriname Ports Management Company. Dr. Castelen, who is also a member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Suriname, was accompanied by members of the board of commissioners (from left): Charles Somohardjo, Samuel Mehairjan and Marcia Clumper. Also pictured at right is Paula Pinnock, managing committee member of the SAJ. The group discussed areas of possible cooperation between Jamaican and Surinamese shipping interests and toured the Port of Kingston. - Contributed Photos

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ) has demonstrated its adherence to its quality policy by once again completing a successful audit by American Bureau of Shipping Quality Evaluations, attesting to its maintenance of ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System, and has been issued with its Certificate of Conformance.

Customer satisfaction

The MAJ first received ISO 9001:2000 certification in February 2004, for its vessel registration, certification of seafarers, survey of vessels and port state control inspection services, where an important component is customer satisfaction.

ISO 9001 certification requires that a company undergoes external triennial certification renewal audits to ensure its continued compliance with the standards. Annual surveillance audits are conducted by the certifying body in preparation for the triennial renewal audits. Additionally, the regime requires that internal audits be conducted at intervals to evaluate the level of adherence to documented systems and procedures developed to ensure consistency in the quality of service offered, as defined by the MAJ and its customers.

Maintaining ISO certification is a critical aspect of the MAJ's thrust to provide superior service to its clientele, which is enshrined in its quality policy.

An added highlight of the Shipping Association of Jamaica's (SAJ) 'Lunch & Learn' seminar last week was the drawing of participants' business cards for flash-drives donated by Port Computer Services (PCS), sponsor of the seminar. Pictured is Roger Lewis (left), general manager of PCS, presenting a prize to Karlene Coke of International Shipping Limited. Looking on are Karen Adair, who made a presentation on 'Best Practices and Trends in International Port Operations and Vessel Stevedoring' at the seminar, and Michael Bernard, president of the SAJ.