Sierra Leone Overhauls Maritime System with New Laws and Global Partnerships

The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMA) is leading efforts to reform the country's maritime operations by updating its legislation and strengthening partnerships with international organizations. This overhaul aims to align Sierra Leone's maritime sector with global standards and increase vessel traffic. The SLMA is responsible for overseeing the legal framework that governs the entry, operation, and exit of ships in Sierra Leone's waters. This includes deciding which vessels can fly the national flag and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

The SLMA's role is guided by the Merchant Shipping Act of 2000 and the SLMA Act of 2003, which are the primary legal documents governing the sector. According to Dr. Daniel B. Kaitibi, Executive Director of the SLMA, the organization's role is based on three mandates: registering vessels under the Flag State function, inspecting foreign vessels for compliance with global standards, and managing inland waterways and coastal transport. Currently, there are 576 vessels registered under the Sierra Leone flag.

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. This process involves revising key legislation, including the Merchant Shipping Act and the Marine Pollution Bill. The Merchant Shipping Act has already been passed through its third reading in Parliament, and the SLMA has enlisted experts from the Liberian Maritime Authority to aid in the revision process.

The SLMA is also pursuing bilateral agreements with other countries to establish vessel access and training systems. A deal with the Philippine Maritime Authority will create pathways for Sierra Leonean and Philippine seafarers to work on each other's vessels. Additionally, the SLMA is enhancing maritime infrastructure by collaborating with the UK Hydrographic Office and the International Hydrographic Organisation to modernize hydrographic surveys. This will improve navigation safety through updated charts.

The SLMA's efforts to enhance safety and operational capacities are being supported by the United Nations Development Programme. The administration 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 minimize drowning risks. These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to integrating Sierra Leone's maritime sector into a more connected global framework.

The SLMA's reforms are expected to boost future vessel traffic, with around 500 vessels visiting Sierra Leone each year. Dr. Kaitibi believes that adherence to international standards will increase vessel traffic and improve the country's maritime operations. The administration's efforts to align domestic laws with international standards will also help to ensure compliance with global regulations.

The SLMA's overhaul of Sierra Leone's maritime system is a significant step towards integrating the country's maritime sector into the global framework. The administration's comprehensive approach to reforming legislation, enhancing safety and operational capacities, and strengthening international partnerships will help to ensure that Sierra Leone's maritime sector is aligned with global standards. This will improve navigation safety, increase vessel traffic, and boost the country's economy.

Key points

• The SLMA has ratified nearly 30 global conventions set by the International Maritime Organisation.
• The administration is revising key legislation, including the Merchant Shipping Act and the Marine Pollution Bill.
• The SLMA distributed 3,150 life jackets to riverine communities in 2025 to improve waterway safety.