Special arrangements in place for water top viewing of bridge commissioning ceremony

On Sunday, October 5, 2025, the Government of Guyana will commission the New Demerara River Bridge.

Ship and boat owners, and cruise operators who wish to view the commissioning from the river, are asked to take note of special requirements need to do so.

• The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) will be coordinating and regulating all activities in the river.
• All vessels shall be seaworthy.
• All vessel operators must be competent.
• Life jackets MUST be worn by all individuals on water taxis and small open boats
• MARAD is to be informed of the place of boarding and disembarkation
• At 17:30 hours (5:30 pm) the tide will be ebbing (falling). Therefore, vessels are required to be in position so as not to drift into the bridge.
• All vessels approaching the New Demerara River Bridge from either the southern or northern direction must remain outside the one-mile buffer zone.
• All vessels are to sound their whistle/horn immediately after the cutting of the ribbon to formally open the bridge.
• The intended route must be communicated to MARAD before the event.
• No overloading of vessels.

Compliance with this directive is mandatory and necessary to facilitate the smooth flow of marine traffic and ensure safety within the river. Kindly make contact with any of the following officers.

Director of Maritime Safety –623-4936 River Navigation Officer–610-2349

Harbour Master –710-8901 Chief Pilot- 711-5390

Public Communication Officer – 624-2585 Lighthouse – 623-5933 (VHF 16)