The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) is reforming its legislation and strengthening international partnerships to align the country’s maritime operations with global standards and boost vessel traffic.
The SLMA oversees the legal framework governing the entry, operation, and exit of ships in Sierra Leone’s waters. It decides which vessels can fly the national flag, which foreign ships may enter ports, and the safety and environmental regulations applicable upon their arrival. These responsibilities stem from the Merchant Shipping Act of 2000 and the SLMA Act of 2003, which are the key legal documents guiding the sector.
Dr Daniel B. Kaitibi, Executive Director of the SLMA, explained that the organisation’s role is based on three mandates. “We register vessels under our Flag State function, providing them with the legal identity necessary for international navigation.” Currently, there are 576 vessels registered under the Sierra Leone flag. The SLMA also inspects foreign vessels for compliance with global safety and pollution standards and manages inland waterways and coastal transport.
The SLMA is aligning its framework with international regulations set by the International Maritime Organisation, having ratified nearly 30 global conventions. The administration is now integrating these into domestic law, which is essential for international maritime operations. Additionally, it is establishing a maritime court to handle disputes and assign responsibilities, further supported by legislative reforms.
Key legislation, including the Merchant Shipping Act and the Marine Pollution Bill, is under coordinated revision, with Parliament having already passed the Merchant Shipping Act through its third reading. This will help turn international conventions into enforceable domestic rules.
To aid this process, the SLMA has enlisted experts from the Liberian Maritime Authority, which has the world’s largest shipping registry. “Their technical revisions have been included in draft legislation submitted for parliamentary approval,” noted Dr Kaitibi.
Current activity at ports shows progress, with around 500 vessels visiting Sierra Leone each year. Dr Kaitibi believes that adherence to international standards will boost future traffic.
The SLMA is also pursuing bilateral agreements, particularly with the Philippine Maritime Authority and partners in Qatar, to establish vessel access and training systems. The deal with the Philippines will create pathways for Sierra Leonean and Philippine seafarers to work on each other’s vessels.
Alongside regulatory reforms, the SLMA is enhancing maritime infrastructure. Collaborating with the UK Hydrographic Office and the International Hydrographic Organisation, it is modernising hydrographic surveys that date back to the 19th century, which will improve navigation safety through updated charts.
With support from the United Nations Development Programme, the SLMA is reviewing legislation, deploying surveillance drones, and constructing two search-and-rescue centres. In 2025, it distributed 3,150 life jackets to riverine communities to improve waterway safety and minimise drowning risks.
Together, these initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to integrating Sierra Leone’s maritime sector into a more connected global framework, aligning domestic laws with international standards while enhancing safety and operational capacities.
