Port Captain Finds Safety Failures on 200 Vessels in Bacalar and Chetumal

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Port authorities have suspended 200 vessels operating in Chetumal Bay and the Bacalar Lagoon after they failed safety inspections, representing about 10% of the nearly 2,000 registered boats in the region.

Port Captain Román Bustos Gómez said the rejected vessels had various physical and operational deficiencies, including faulty life-saving equipment, hull deterioration, non-functioning navigation lights, and expired fire extinguishers. These conditions prevent the maritime authority from issuing safety certificates.

The safety certificate is a mandatory requirement for any service provider or private individual to navigate local waters. When a vessel fails inspection, the port captain’s office formally notifies the owner of the deficiencies and sets a deadline for repairs before a re-inspection can be scheduled.

Bustos Gómez explained that while the protocol includes periodic checks for all registered vessels, those used for tourism and recreation must undergo an annual mandatory inspection by law.

Despite the number of flagged vessels, the port captain stressed that this does not represent an alarming situation for the sector, as the issues are specific and can be corrected quickly within the allotted time. However, he made clear that until the problems are resolved, the boats will remain docked and unauthorized to operate.

The port captain’s office is also responsible for registering all vessels navigating the lagoon system from Bacalar to Chetumal Bay. Bustos Gómez urged owners and operators to keep their documentation in order and their vessels in optimal condition.