Maritime Magazine – Barana No.1

BARANA:Word meaning “Sea”, from the native language of the Garifunas.

Suyapa Blvd., Pietra building, next to ALUPAC

Postal code 3625, Tegucigalpa, M.D.C., Honduras C.A.

Phone numbers: (+504) 2239-8228, 2239-8346, 2239-8335, 2239-8203

Web page: merchantmarine.gob.hn / Email: info@marinamercante.gob.hn

IrisXiomaraCastroSarmiento

Constitutional President of the Republic of Honduras

EdgarSoriano Ortiz

General Director of the Merchant Marine of Honduras

LauraEsterRiveraCarbajal

Deputy Director of the Merchant Marine of Honduras

Editorial Direction

Institutional Strategic Planning Department

Editors

Erasmo Zelaya Gonzales

Head of the Institutional Strategic Planning Department

AlejandroCanalesBeltrán

Head of Quality Assurance

ElenaEspinozaPaz

In charge of the Marketing Unit

Design and Layout

Sandra Portillo

Statistical Technician

Kelsy Mayela Fúnez

In charge of System Development

Photographers

AlfredoTábora

ErickPaz

National Graphics Art Company

ColoniaMiraflores next to the External Relations Secretariat

FranciscoMorazán,Honduras, C.A.

General Directorate of the Merchant Marine

December the 16th , 2022

Front page image

Empresa NacionalPortuaria

Puerto Cortés, Honduras

To our President Xiomara Castro Sarmiento, for her unconditional support and her re foundational vision which inspires us to follow the grovestowhichshepointsus.

To the National Graphic Arts Company (NGAC), without the interinstitutionalagreementsthispublicationwouldnotbepossible.

To our maritime public, because without their outstanding work sailing theseasindifferentvesselsaroundtheworldwewouldnotbeknown.

Toall Hondurans, becauseasasovereignitencouragesustofollowan honest path, always thinking of the wellbeing of all of us who make up thisgreatCountry.

To our work team, because, without their committed effort, this publicationwouldnotbepossible.

Today I am addressing the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine (GDMM) of Honduras, their work team, the Hondurans who made this publication possible and to the readers interested in knowing a little bit more about this important institution, I greet you.

Itisasourceofprideformetoaddress all of you who made this publication possiblewithintheframeworkofthisrefoundationprocessourcountryisgoing through. Which is being built under a humanist re-foundational vision, impregnated with dignity and sovereignty and which will do what is legally necessary to protect our marine environment.

The creation of new sources of employmentthroughthehardandwelldirected work of our Merchant Marine will open dignified doors for all Hondurans

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

OF THE REPUBLIC OF HONDURAS XIOMARA CASTRO SARMIENTO

Who seek through preparation, opportunities to sail the worlds seas proudlywavingourflag.

Wefirmlybelieveinourpolicy,whichis based on the respect we have for the Constitution, human rights, selfdetermination of the Honduran populationandtheembracementofour Morazán heritage which exemplifies unity, integration and solidarity. This is how we are strengthening that innate impulse of our people to build a better future.

Toourseafarerswhoalreadysailaround the world, approximately 20,000 Hondurans, which for their hard work and support we continue to be the leading country in Latin America for seafarertraining. With iron will and professionalisminthefaceofadversity, theyhaveplacedthenameofHonduras up high, strongly supporting our local economy.Thatbeingsaid,Iurgeyouto continue,withthatimpulseofexcellence because your work undoubtedly opens doors to new generations which whose supportwillbevitalforthegrowthofthe country.

Forallofthesereasons,Iencouragethe GDMM to continue with that honest, well-directedandtirelessworkingeffort. Always working with excellence on behalfoftheinterestsofthesovereign. For that, without a doubt, the country thanksyou.

DIRECTOR MESSAGE FROM THE

OF THE GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF THE MERCHANT MARINE

EDGAR SORIANO ORTIZ

As the highest authority in the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine of Honduras, it is of greathonor to address you and remind you that together we form a great family in our institution, working as a team. Using our strengths and abilities we’ve managed to achieve the objectives that’ve been set as an organization, making this institution one of the best. Following a firm and responsible commitment, we will contributeto theconstructionofa better futurefortheHonduranpopulation.

Today I encourage you to continue with that quality, commitment and professionalism which characterizes our work. To always provide an excellent service to meet our clients’ requirements which will generate efficiency and satisfactioninalltheservicesweprovide. Therefore, continuing to be a reference forotherInstitutions.

Our commitment is to create a strengthened and transparent Institution.

Full of dedicated, enthusiastic and responsible people who will do the respectfulandincorruptibleworkthatis needed. Always advancing towards the objectives that have been set to our Institution, thus achieving continuous improvement and promoting an organizational culture that reflects all thesequalitiesthatcharacterizeus.

OurcommitmentthroughtheGDMMwill alwaysbewithHondurasanditspeople.

“WearetheMaritimeauthorityinHondurascommitted with registering vessels under our flag, training and certificatingseafarers.ResponsibleforMaritimesafety and the protection of the marine environment. While managing and faithfully complying with international laws and agreements, in order to contribute to the integral development of our country.

At a national level, to be a distinguished institution for its work and transparency. At an international level, to compete with other countries by registering vessels around the world under our flag and be the number one suppliers of high-quality Seafarers in Latin America. Comply with the standards issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) while implementing a professional and modern administration model

INSTITUTIONAL VALUES

Strengthen the Honduran community through the effective administration of our maritime resources, job creation and educational promotion for seafarers.

We are an institution that contributes to the protection of the marine environment, ensuring a better world to live.

The 2 pillars on which this institution is based, to persevere into the future, operating with transparency and dedication.

Our spirit of innovation permeates everything we do and is evident in the new solutions we offer our valued customers.

Quality Policy

At the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine we are committed to satisfying the requirements of our clients, providing Ship Registration Services and company registration services related to the Auxiliary Maritime Industry, Maritime Safety, Protection of the Marine Environment, as well as seafarers training and Certification Services in accordance with the maritime laws of our country and international conventions such as the STCW and those issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Our priority is the continuous improvement of our operations and our Quality Management System, focusing on the fulfillment of its objectives.

General Directorate of the Merchant Marine, ¿How

The General Directorate of the Merchant Marine, as the Honduran maritime authority, serves as signatory to several international agreements, to which it must also givemandatorycompliance.

One of these treaties is the STCW 78 in its amended form Manila 2010. Its rule 1/8 regulates that maritimeentitiesthatarededicated tothetrainingofseafarersmustbe regulatedwithintheirframeworkby a system of quality standards, to guarantee the achievement of their definedobjectives.

The GDMM is certified under the ISO 9001-2015 within the scope of regulations in this certification we currently find processes of training and titling of seafarers and Registration of International Ships, this is a competitive tool that we usetostandardizeourservicesand position ourselves worldwide as a seriouscompetitor.

But are nothing compared to providing poor quality products or services, in the GDMM the central authorities understand this and are committed to the modernization and updating of all integrated regulatory systems to improveManagement.

ISO 9001-2015 is the platform currently used in an immediate project that is the integration of other regulations for the improvement of the quality of our products and services. These regulations are the ISO 14001 for environmental protection, ISO 27001 for Information security and ISO 45001 for health and safetyatwork.

All of these are investments that Management authorities are prioritizing to keep the GDMM as thespearheadinallofitsactivities nowandinthenearfuture.

do regulations make us more competitive?

In today's competitive world, the costs of modern management systems that keep institutions runningoptimallyarehigh,

The General Directorate of the MerchantMarineseekstomaintain itsleadershipintheareawhichcan onlybeachievedwithacommitted team, maintaining high quality standards, complying with our current management system regulations and by the effective implementation of the regulations thatareabouttobeintegrated.

BY ALEJANDRO CANALES:

In what path is the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine headed?

Interview whit the Director

On December 2022 we attended the GDMMs headquarters with a mission at hand, interviewing Dr. Edgar Soriano, current General Director and maximum authorityoftheinstitution. With the intention to learn alittlemoreabouthim,his vision and his plan to face the current challenges our country faces and those inherenttomaritimeissues specifically. We arrived around 3:00 pm in the afternoon, time at which we had agreed the appointment for the interview. Very punctual, he was already waiting for us in his office, where we entered and developed a pleasant and sincere talk, filledwithvisionandhope.

The interview was developed as a Q & A, trying to learn a little bit more about Dr. Soriano, delve into the important issues the General Directorate of the MerchantMarinefacesand othertopicsofinterest.

After exchanging greetings, the interview began with the first question:

“Well, I’m a native of Pespire, Choluteca from the southern parts of Honduras. I did my first school years there at the María Auxiliadora school, later on at the Mateo Molina school and ended up at the Alfonso Guillén Zelaya school, all this instability due to the lacking education system of our country. I graduated from the National School of DramaticArt, following that

I attended the National Autonomous University of Honduras pursuing a degree inHistory;Lateron,thanksto a scholarship from the Carolina Foundation, I was able to study in Spain. While in my stay there, a second (half) scholarship to attend the Pablo de Olavide University in Seville was presented to me, opportunity I took and from which I obtained my postgraduate degrees. In my life I have worked as a teacher, consultant, researcher and broadcaster; this one in particularbecauseIhadradio and television programs, plus I have written columns in several newspapers all of these has allowed me to reachabroadpublic,bringing them thoughtful knowledge of history.”

¿Who is Edgar Soriano?

This is how my professional experience has been forged. I’ve had other facets as well, such as political social activist and art which are things that I like and am passionateabout.

Whilstbeingaprofessional in history, President Xiomara Castro had the confidencetosummonme and offer me the position of General Director of the GDMM,knowingthatIcan deliver.Sheinstructedme with the responsibility of guaranteeing that the institution grows, that its resources are protected and that they protect the institutionalism of the stateaswell.

Inthisnewadministration, the mandate is that the resources have to be invested in benefit of the institutions.Wecomefrom rather dark times, times where authoritarianism, imposition, draining of public funds and abuse of authority became the norm. It’s the delegations chance to take this great step and challenge, to return the institutionalism to a democratic state. Although the maritime issue is not my area of expertise and has been a learning curve for me. In these months, being surrounded by technical professionals, I’ve learned the terrain which has enabled me to make the decisions that will strengthen the institution and its institutional responsibilities towards theHonduranpopulation.

In what state was the institution upon your arrival?

“When I arrived at the GDMM, we found certain administrative shortcomings,forexample an institution that needed to be strengthened with directed operational work and internal institutional control.It’salotofworkto improve on, it’s not an easy task after so much institutionalizeddisorder.

Weareseekingtocleanup the thirteen Harbor masters we have by improving the controls of the governing body in the harbors so it can reflect a considerablechange.

Oneofourconcernsisthat technically we are not assuming that ethical responsibility of facing the series of complexities that’ve been inherited to us.Astotheshortcomings of inter-institutional work, our administration is committed and understands that in order to improve the GDMM, we must make proposals that the central government can support, in order for the institutional restructuring process to take place. Ensuring that the GDMM solidifies as the maritime authority that regulates and guarantees that all international conventions and national lawsarecompliedwith.

Honduras must continue onthelistofcountrieswith whiteflag,maintaining that

that great respect at the international level in matters of training seafarers, international registrations and other processes. Let's say I found an institution that needs support, marginalized, like if it’s still stuck in the 20th century.Nowourtechnical teamsareworkingtotake that great step into the 21st century. What does thismean?thattheGDMM will have the capacity to use technologies that will allow it to be more competitiveinournational and international services.” What do you think are thechallengesthatthe GDMMfacestoday?

“We have a great responsibilityinregardsto strengthening the institutional framework. Through the creation of institutional manuals for maritime traffic and the reinforcement of the insular theme, we are ensuring the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine as the governing body of maritimesecurity.

Whilst updating with established capacities and a wide reach for the training of seafarers, we still need to expand the rangeofcoverageinterms of costs, this in order to generate much more robust job offers. We are aware that Honduras embarks the greatest amount of seafarers in Latin America as the institutionresponsible,our goal is to guarantee that ourthreemaritimeschools and the near future ones (since we plan to start by opening one in Roatan), have strategic allies that guarantee training and certification at higher levels and reinforce the academicsforthecreation oftheMaritimeUniversity. This must be a primary objective to guarantee that through these enhanced training opportunities Honduras willproduceseafarers

of the highest level and trainedofficers.

Another topic, the Registration of International Vessels under the Honduran flag. Since World War II, our flag was one of the most important, then it went through a purification process at the end of the nineteen nineties, mainly because of piracy, inconsistenciesandalotof corruption. The GDMM, arises during the administration of Dr. Carlos Roberto Reina with the intent to leave behind that unfortunate, mismanaged and corruptedhistory.

One of our many objectives is for our already registered fleet and new registries be digitalized, modernized and to incorporate new technologiesthatwill

enhance our services making them much more efficientandfaster.

We have inter-institutional support agreements with CONATEL for example, radio licenses which used to be given to. clients two weeks or more after presenting their necessary paperwork are now given in 24 hours. The General Directorate of the Merchant Marine through these inter-institutional alliances, strengthened through agreements and working together, will increase its competitive position worldwide. Competition is strong and wehavetokeepupdating, we are working to strengthen these capacities,guaranteemore expeditious response times, having a 24-hour response capacity is vital and is what we seek to achieve. We’ve managed to start a process of registering new Greek vessels, which is great, but; our goal is to keep moving forward and registermuchmore.

Protecting our maritime environment is a constitutional responsibility and we are trying to strengthen this department as well. Our objective is to guarantee thepublicthatthroughthe work done by the GDMM, information and interinstitutional coordination. We will guarantee maritime safety and compliance of its laws.”

What is the role of the Merchant Marine in the re-foundation process ofthecountry?

“One of the great challenges for President Xiomara Castro Sarmiento is to rescue the state and when she refers to this she means the capacity of all institutions to generate jobs.If we managetorescue the institutions, we will leave a great legacy to the Honduran population. The State was seen as loot, disordered, guaranteeing that in this troubled river there would be never-ending profit for its fishermen,profit that in reality was being drained out of public resources. If we manage to take that step, leaving that corruption behind and move towards a state that guarantees compliance with the laws, international conventions and the ethical mandatethatguaranteesthe social and economic coverage of the population, in food sovereignty, which should be a basic right for all of ourcitizens.If we manage to set the state on this course, we will leave a great legacyforitscitizens. It’s not an easy task.

The historical demands are enormous, they are gigantic, it has escalated to this terrible state because of the unceasing looting, plunder or whatever term you want to use. A four-year government does not come with a magic wand thatmakesitallgoaway, so it is important to historically recognize the functionality of an institution.

Under the presidents’ mandate,weseektobuild a democratic bridge between state and citizen participation. I think that when we talk about refoundation it means rescuing the State, being an entity that guarantees rights and generates opportunities. The GDMM playsanimportantroleby taking care of our resources, protecting the marine environment responsibly and with an obligation to create job opportunities for our population. All of these sendtherightmessage.

In the recent months we’ve been working in the trainingofseafarersunder themodalitycalledmobile courses, which are taking place in Roatán, El Cubulero and Alianza Valle. By getting closer to these areas the General Directorate of the MerchantMarineisturning to be more accessible to thepublic,weareshowing the population that this institution is important for the consolidation of the new State of Honduras. The maritime world offers great opportunities, if we developourskillsproperly and complement them withcoordinatedwork,we will be able to take advantage of these opportunities, move forward and participate in this re-founding project. Thisisthegoalofthenew government led by our President Xiomara Castro.”

When you leave the Merchant Marine, what will be the vision and legacy left for others to come?

Thelegacythatwewantto leaveisthatoftheGeneral Directorate of the Merchant Marine becoming the maritime authority that the country needs,tobethegoverning body that guarantees national and international agreements will be complied, an institution that efficiently protects theresourcesoftheState, to be seen as a consolidatedinstitution.

We’ve been having talks with the IMO (International Maritime Organization),toratifyour collaborations based on the agreements. We will have training in Maritime Technical English in our schools. I believe that a great legacy that we can leaveisthatoftheGeneral Directorate of the Merchant Marine to be seen as a door of opportunity for the Honduran citizens. The creation of the Maritime Universitywillbeasource of great pride for the current administration. A countrythathascoastson bothoceanswithhistorical potential, with a logistics corridor that already exists,theseareimportant points to take into consideration that will strengthentheinstitution.

“TheGeneralDirectorateof the Merchant Marine has an open-door policy, this meaning that any information required is at hand and that anybody over the age of 18 can register for training, anywherefromtheinterior of our territory extending to our shores, all can take our courses. For example, in San Nicolas, Santa Bárbara; we’ve talked to the mayor and she has agreedforyoungpeoplein the community to be trained as seafarers, they do not necessarily need to befromthecoasts.

“The General Directorate of the Merchant Marine has an open-door policy, this meaning that any information required is at hand and that anybody over the age of 18 can register for training, anywherefromtheinterior of our territory extending toourshores,allcantake our courses. For example, in San Nicolas, Santa Bárbara; we’ve talked to the mayor and she has agreedforyoungpeoplein the community to be trained as seafarers, they donotnecessarilyneedto befromthecoasts.

Getting to know Dr. Soriano on a more personallevel:

Getting to know Dr. Soriano on a more personallevel:

What’s your favorite food?

What’s your favorite food?

“I really like our southern food, a good Indian chicken soup or baked chicken, that southern seasoning, I love it. I also like our traditional go to foods,eatingatortillawith quesillo, southern curd and some freshly made beans, there’s nothing like it, exquisites that only us Honduranscanenjoy.

“I really like our southern food, a good Indian chicken soup or baked chicken, that southern seasoning, I love it. I also like our traditional go to foods, eating a tortilla with quesillo, southern curd and some freshly made beans, there’s nothing like it, exquisites that only us Hondurans can enjoy.

Any books you consider A must read?

“Reading good literature is important and as I like to say “its good company”, it enriches our experience and spirit. AgoodexampleisDon Quixote de la Mancha, as Dostoevsky would say,"thesaddeststory I have ever known”. It is metaphor to the changes of time, introducing modernity in quotes and loaded with elements of humanity’s history.

From Honduran literature I recommend PrisiónVerdebyRamón Amaya Amador, an important novel because it talks about the role our people played in the banana plantations, giving a perspective of the interventionism of foreign capital in the Honduranpopulation.

What’s your favorite hobby?

“I have plenty, I like reading, going to the movies,thetheaterand exploring nature”.

All the information in regards to times, dates, courses, enrollment mechanismsandcostscan be found on our website and social networks. Our costsarenothigh,sothat potential seafarers are in reachofthediverse

All the information in regards to times, dates, courses, enrollment mechanisms and costs can be found on our website and social networks. Our costs are not high, so that potential seafarers are in reach of the diverse opportunitiesofsailing.”

I believe that Honduran gastronomy is unique, so my advice to you is don’t stickwithacertainfoodor taste, in exchange try all the different foods our national territory has to offer.”

I believe that Honduran gastronomy is unique, so my advice to you is don’tstickwithacertain food or taste, in exchange try all the different foods our national territory has to offer.”

Your opinion on president Xiomara CastroSarmiento

“A brave woman who facedtheperverselogic of state violence, which is opposing citizen participation.

What’syouradvice for thosewhowant tobecomeseafarers?

Whentheycarriedoutthe 2009coup,itwastoavoid the advancement of democracy. The most conservativesectorsofthe country closed down and decided to removed President Zelaya from leadership. During the coup, President Castro, whichatthetimeoccupied thetitleofFirstLady,took the fight to the streets. She bravely led the resistance, standing before the rifles of the political-military dictatorshipthathadbeen installed in the country. Persevering in means of stopping the narcodictatorship, she gave up her presidential candidacy in 2017, pitifully it we all knowtheconsequences.It was until a completely outworn

Honduran population decidedtosupportthefirst woman President in our history, punishing this criminal group that had become entrenched in power.

President Castro election arises from one of the most legitimate democratic processes in thehistoryofthiscountry, not only is she the first womanPresident,butalso the one with the greatest legitimacy, representing another historical milestone. I think we can all call President Castro’s win as the end of a bipartisan history in our country, which leads towards new democratic possibilitiesinourcountry.

A favorite saying or proverb?

“Ahí es donde la mula botó a Genaro” (which translates to “that’s when the mule threw Genaro”)

I like this saying because it refers to a challenge to persevere. Honduras needs a lot of perseverance; we cannotallowthemuleto throw us down when things get difficult. We have to continue riding towards the future, as Morazánhimselfsaid:"I excite the youth, who are called upon to give lifeto thiscountry".

A quick life advice?

“Be perseverant, tolerant anddon’t incite hate, in exchange encourage dialogue and formation.

There is no perfect human being on earth, that is why we have to call for dialogue. Forour community, one of the mostimportantthingsto rescue is its sense of humanity because we are in a individualized world, a society of fatigue. The challenge we have is to rescue the sense of community, dialogue, respect and tolerance. “

HISTORY OF THE GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF THE MERCHANT MARINE WAR SAILOR

“There are already national cruise ships and smallervesselsthatdealwithcabotage,so aregulationisneededfortheir authorizationandtraffic,whichthe Republic lacks”

MessagetoCongress,fromMinister AbelBoquín,10th ofFebruary1868

Until 1995, the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine did not exist. In the Commercial Codes of 1880, 1898 and 1940, only maritime trade was regulated, which referred to the ships, its crew, special maritime trade contracts, risks, damages, accidents andmaritimebreakdowns.

During World War II, the United States requested certain countries to allow Americanshipstosailunder

their respective flags to help their allies in Europe in their fight against fascism. To which Costa Rica and Honduras agreedto.

On March the 3rd 1943, Honduras issued the Organic Law of the National Merchant Marine, creating the Directorate for Merchant Ships attached to the Ministry of War, Navy and Aviation. Which served the purpose of regulating registration, nationalization, security conditions, cancellation of registrations, navigation permits, maritime taxes, suitability certificatesandidentificationbooks ofships.

The 1943 law authorized the Executive Branch to establish:

“AschoolofNavigation,withthe power to grant its graduates a qualification diploma that enabled them to carry out the position of captain, pilot or officer aboard national merchantships”

POSTAL PUERTO CORTES 1908

LA CEIBA DOCK 1965

History

Engraved painting from the 16th century in which we can appreciate the port of Trujillo y the fortress of Santa Bárbara.

Source: AGI Guatemala 466,869; AGI MP Guatemala 336; Montanus 1671; Davidson 1974.

BARANA – GOOD WIND, GOOD SEA December 2022 / n° 01 21

Perspective of Roatán when ships under

the command of General Captain Matías

Gálvez and Captain Miguel Alonzo de Sousa, take the Island of Roatán.

Colorful perspective of the Battle of Port Royal, which occurred in March 1782. It offers a view that complements that of the previous sketch, which includes new information on the relative position of the Spanish ships, the line of fire of the British forces and the house number on the island.

BARANA – GOOD WIND, GOOD SEA December 2022 / n° 01

Shield

Ourshieldischaracterizedbyemblemsthatexceptionallyrepresentour work as the maritime authority, starting from the laurels that are heraldicsymbolsofglory,honorandvictory.

Followed by the 5 stars in the stocks of the anchor that like in its flag characterize our beautiful country Honduras and the anchor that reminds us of the valuable and important role that our sailors play on thesea.

With firmness and mettle, the helm represents our authority to govern thedirectionofourships.

And last but not least, our beautiful National Flag that the distinctive symbol by which we are recognized internationally as the Honduran maritimeauthority.

Anthem of the Merchant Marine

Lyrics and music: Víctor E. Donaire Marín

CHORUS

Navegar,sinavegar

Conbanderablancoyazul

Cincoestrellasguíanminorte

ConDiosymiPatriaenelcorazón

Navegar,sinavegar

Bajoelcielocualmantodetul

Trabajandoconalegría

Surcandolosmaressindescansar

I

LaMarinaMercantedeHonduras

Esejemplodeesfuerzoyvalor

Abanderalosbarcosdelmundo ypreparaloshombresdelmar.

Cadabarconavegaorgulloso

Elemblemadenuestropaís

CadahombreymujerqueEmbarcamos

Seenaltecesirviendofeliz.

II

Eficiencia,excelenciayservicio

Sonvaloresdenuestramisión

Queinculcamosanuestrosmarinos

Yqueaprendenantesdezarpar

Tradición de pasados navales

Hoycivilesconlustreyhonor

ElevamoselnombredeHonduras

Reclutandoalquesirvemejor.

III

Responsables, honestos, seguros losmarinosqueenviamosalmundo entrenadosconceloprofundo enelmarcodelacalidad.

Preocupadospornuestroprestigio protectoresdelmedioambiental cumplidoresdeloscompromisos quelaPatriaadquirióal firmar.

IV

EnlaescueladenuestraMarina laqueforjaloshombresdelmar defendemoslaimagendeHonduras Ofreciendoelmejorpersonal. Mantenemosenaltolaenseña delgloriosopendónnacional apoyandoloslazosfraternos impulsandoelcomercioglobal.

CHORUS

Navegar,sinavegar

Conbanderablancoyazul Cincoestrellasguíanminorte ConDiosymiPatriaenelcorazón Navegar,sinavegar Bajoelcielocualmantodetul Trabajandoconalegría Surcandolosmaressindescansar.

Merchant Marine Mascot

Why is Sambunango the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine Mascot?

Despite not being a marine species, rather of estuaries,rivers,swamps and slowwaterflows,TheSambunangohas inspired songs, it inhabits our coasts and has many relatives of its species that go on kilometer-long marine journeys.

It was chosen because as this singular speciesofturtle,inneedstoembarkfor ittobeabletonavigatetheseas.

The Sambunango in our country and worldwide has special protection, this due to the excessive destruction of its naturalhabitat.Oneofthemandatesof the GDMM through the Department of Marine Environment Protection, is to organize beach cleaning programs and marinewaterqualitymonitoring.

In response to the growing global problem of marine pollution involving plastic waste, since 2015 we have implemented

a coast to coast cleaning program. Under this program, the garbage collected is separated, quantified, weighted and recorded to undergo a research process to identify brands or types of garbage, steps followed to locate the possible source of the garbage. Parallel to the above, the departmentalsodevelopedamonitoring program for physical-chemical parameters of seawater, which is executed in different marine environmental areas. Both implementations with the objective to strengthen decision-making under our jurisdiction.

It’ssothatourmascot“ElSambunango” reminds us of the balance and respect that we must maintain with our beaches,theGDMMiscommittedtoour ships and sailors, but most important, through promoting actions, to the protection of our marine environments andallofourcoasts.

DEPARTMENTOF VESSEL REGISTRY

The Republic of Honduras is a bioceaniccountry,locatedintheheartof Central America and based upon on theInternationalPublicLawofthesea, it has the following maritime limits: in the Caribbean Sea or the Antilles, Honduras borders Guatemala, Belize, Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, the United KingdomofGreatBritainandNorthern Ireland (Grand Cayman Islands), Colombia and Nicaragua; and in the Pacific Ocean, with Nicaragua and El Salvador.

On March 3, 1943, the first Organic Law of the National Merchant Marine was promulgated,

creating the division of Merchant Ships, attached to the Ministry of War, Navy and Aviation of Honduras.

During WWII, a modality known as “Openregistry”isborn.

The United States of America requestedcertaincountriestoallow North American ships to sail under their respective flags, in means to deceivetheenemyandbringhelpto their European allies in the fight against fascism, Costa Rica and Hondurasagreed.

One of the flagships that participatedinOperationTorchwas the SS Contessa, belonging to the Standard Fruit Company, it was a refrigeration vessel which was modified to function as a warship underlocalfleetnumberX-96from September 18, 1943 until 1945.

The reason for maintaining the open registration modality was purelyeconomic,sinceitgenerated significant foreign income for our treasury.

Till today, the Organic Law of the Merchant Marine in addition to the international agreements that emanate from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) continues to be the legal maritime regulatory law, which governs everything related to our national and international merchant fleet

InordertounderstandwhatVessel registryis,wegotoTitleIIIArticle 43 of the Organic Law of the Merchant Marine, which defines registryasfollows:

“The purpose of the Vessel RegistryDepartmentistheregistry of vessels and of the natural or legal owners of these vessels, which may also have the title of leasersorshipowners.

The aforementioned Registry will be public, so that any person with alegitimateinterestmayaccessits content and obtain the certifications they need.”

Theflaggingofashipiscarriedout through its registration, this administrative and legal act is consummated with the issuance of the vessels Navigation patent, which is also known as a RegistrationCertificate.

There arethree typesofpatents:

1. For new or provisional registrations, a 6-month validity Provisional Navigation Patent will begiven.

2.AnextensionoftheProvisional navigation patent, which can be issued only once and said extension will be valid for 3 months.

3. The Definitive Navigation Patent,withavalidityof4years.

The requirements for national or international vessel registrations are the same. Chapter II Article 48 of the Organic Law of the Merchant Marine gives us the general requirements for the registration of vessels under the Honduran flag without distinction of the nationality of its ship owners or their operating companies.

The General Directorate of the Merchant Marine has the short and medium term objective of increasing the range of Vessel Registration products and improve its services response times.FortheHonduranMaritime Authority, the registration of vessels is not only a service provided to its national and international clients, but represents a maritime tradition with more than 79 years in the maritime trade showing the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine commitment to Honduras.

DEPARTMENT OF SEAFARERS

The State of Honduras by means of Decree 161-84 adopts the International Agreement on Standards of Training, Certification and Guard for Seafarers (STCW 78) and by means ofAgreement 001-2000 ratifiestheAmendmenttosaidAgreement,consequently,extendingthe Seafarers Department. Similarly, through Article 5 of the Organic Law of the National Merchant Marine, which contemplates as a maritime activitytheprofessionaltrainingofseafarersandthecertificationofsuch training,goesinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheAgreement.

The Seafarers Department is made up of three (3) sections, training, certification and maritime labor matters. By establishing these sections, we comply with the international guidelines required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 (MLC 2006); likewise, Training and Graduation processes are certifiedundertheISO9001:2015 Standard.

In the Training section we have three (3) Maritime Training Centers, which are located in Tegucigalpa, Omoa and La Ceiba. They are in charge of preparing and programming maritime courses in compliance with Rules I/6 and I/12 of the STCW 78, amended for the purpose of providing maritime training to aspiring merchant seafarers and officers

that fill the requirements established by the OMI model courses. In addition to this, the maritime training centers are in charge of the renewal and recognition of maritime training courses.

On the other hand, we have the Titling section, in charge of complying with the STCW Agreement 78, amended through Rules I/2 and I/10 and national legislation through agreements, resolutions and circulars. In compliance with the above, we havethree(3)filterstoreviewthe procedures, by means of a legal representativeoron-siteseafarer, its purpose being to avoid the issuance of non-compliant and/or fraudulentdocuments

Finally, we have the Maritime Labor Affairs section, in charge of ensuring compliance with Rule I/4 ofthe

Maritime Labor 2006 (MLC 2006) by employment agencies and seafarers' unions Agreement, as well as preparing the declaration of maritime labor compliance (DCLM)part1forvesselsthatsail under the Honduran flag in compliance with Rule 5.1.3 of the MLC2006.

PART

Maritime Security is responsible for defining the policies related to maritime safety, they issue and endorse technical certificates under the standards of our international agreements and nationallegislationforvesselsthat sail with Honduran Flag; elaboration of technical opinions and monitoring the activity of the merchant fleet registered in Honduras that sails around the world.

In accordance with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and national legislation laws this department establishes the guidelines and procedures

to follow in order to direct, coordinate and control the activitiesrelatedtotherecognition and certification of vessels; The Port State carries out all the inspections and experts’ reports required by the International Agreements for Foreign flagged vessels that arrive at Honduran Ports.

The Maritime Security department is made up of three sections:

Sailing security

Through inspections, they are assigned to ensure that the vessels comply with all the technical requirements of international agreements and national regulations. By issuing technical certificates, they attest that these vessels are fit to navigate and carry out maritime activities.

Port State

It carries out all the inspections andexpertreportsrequiredbythe International Agreements that Honduras is part of. These inspectionsarecarriedoutonall

national and international vessels thatarriveonHonduranports.

Recognized organizations

They are trade societies, that under strict supervision and through a delegation contract given by the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine are authorized to provide inspection and certification services to Honduran-flaggedvessels.

The Auxiliary Maritime Industry Department is in charge of all the supportactivitiesthatfacilitateand make navigation more efficient, as well as the maritime management ofvessels. Itisthefastestgrowing sectorinthenationaleconomyand ports are necessary for the developmentofourcountry.

The Auxiliary Maritime Industry Department (AMI) was created duringtheestablishmentofreforms totheOrganicLawoftheMerchant Marine, DecreeNo.120-2016dated December 17, 2016; On June 4, 2018, through Agreement GDMM No.12-2018, in accordance to the provisions of Article 2, the departmentisincorporatedintothe organic structure of the GDMM giving it the power to authorize, regulate and supervise the activities of the Auxiliary Maritime Industry.

The General Directorate of the Merchant Marine issues the operating authorization of any company,naturalorlegalperson interested in operating on auxiliary maritime activities; whichincludecarryingouton-site inspections to verify compliance with regulations; strengthen skillsforthedevelopmentofnew industries;createandstrengthen the legal framework of the sector; And promote marketing strategies for services offered in support of the logistics chain, amongothers.

With 26 newly registered maritime companies in the last year, we have increased the registryto280companiesand11 shipyards.Thesearedividedinto clusters depending on their activity: Supply, Shipping Agency, Shipping Companies, Maritime Port Maneuvers, Construction, Repair and MaintenanceofFacilities.

DEPARTMENTOF AUXILIARY MARITIME INDUSTRY

Port Professional Services, Waste Management and Fumigation, Transportation and Shipyards, were the results of the department's technical-legal advisory process to a group of businessmen in the sector. At the beginningoftheyear2022the1st MaritimeChamberofCommerce

was created in Honduras, located in the department of Cortés, soon this entity will be a beneficiary of a USTDA project in charge of modernizingports.

DEPARTMENTOF ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

The Marine Environment Protection Department(PME)isresponsibleforthe coordination and implementation of the PNCH, which requires the organization and execution of training and drills related to maritime-environmental issues, with special emphasis on prevention, control and response to oil spills at sea. Since 2015, at least one simulationexercisehasbeencarriedout per year, as a preventive measure in case a sea pollution situation presents itself. These have been carried out in PuertoCortés,LaCeiba,RoatánandSan Lorenzo.

The department is also responsible for permanently evaluating, approving and auditingtheLocalContingencyPlansfor companieswithpotentialriskofoilspills and Potentially Dangerous Noxious Substances (PDNS) spills into the sea. Likewise, it is the responsibility of this department to authorize companies dedicatedtothepreventionandcontrol ofhydrocarbonspillsintothesea(OSRO companies).

The Marine Environment Protection Department, environmental unit of the Honduran Maritime Authority, is responsible for the following activities:

Implementation of the National Contingency Plan for spills of Hydrocarbons and Harmful and Potentially Dangerous Substances in AquaticSpacesinHonduras(NCPH)

Maritimeactivitiesauthorization

Aftercarryingoutanevaluationandfield verification, the department can authorize: discharge of solid and oily waste from international navigation vessels in Honduran ports, hydrocarbon transfer operations from ship to ship whetherinportoratsea,marinescientific research,shiprecycling(whetheritisfor scrappingorsinkingpurposes),dredging, filling and dumping activities at sea, expansions, repairs or contractions of docks and any coastal infrastructure under the jurisdictional waters of Honduras.

Vesselcertification

Honduras is part of various Maritime Environmental Agreements, which establish international guidelines under which vessels must be certified in order to navigate jurisdictional waters or international waters under our flag. In addition, the MEP department works on the preparation and endorsement of technical documents that vessels must carry which guarantee that the operations andactivitiescarriedoutonboardare in accordance with the guidelines of the International Maritime Organization(IMO).

In response to the growing global problemofplasticwastepollutiononthe oceans, a coastline cleaning program has been implemented since 2015. Under this program, the garbage collected is separated, quantified, weighted and recorded to undergo a research process to identify brands or types of garbage, steps followed to locate the possible source of the garbage. Parallel to the above, the departmentalsodevelopedamonitoring program for physical-chemical parameters of seawater, which is executed in different marine environmental areas. Both implementations with the objective to strengthen decision-making under our jurisdiction.

The Marine Environment Protection Department is responsible for dealing with environmental complaints in regards to the unauthorized developmentofactivitiesandprojectsin protected marine and coastal areas. Likewise, the department also carries out ex officio actions against those persons, natural or legal, that do not regularize their projects or that cause pollution to the marine environment. Said process is endorsed by the corresponding field inspection, where technical information is collected in detail about what happened, pave way tothecorrespondinglegalprocess.

Beach cleaning program and marine waterqualitymonitoring.

Attending environmental complaints in marine-coastalareas.

DEPARTMENTOF MARITIME ANALYSIS AND CONTROL

Facedwiththeneedtocarryouta scientific process of reception, analysis and management of information in defense and security matters; The Maritime Analysis and Control Department (ACMA) was created, focused on the formation and organization of highly specialized human resources subjected to trust evaluations by national and international agencies. Its main objective being the constant search for information and productionoftimelyknowledge,so thattheGeneralDirectorateofthe MerchantMarineisabletorespond efficiently and effectively to unexpectedthreatstothesafetyof human lives at sea, protection of the marine environment, training, certification of seafarers, working conditions on board ships and maritimesecurity.

With the Fusion Center strategy, the General Directorate of the Merchant Marine began the integration of its capabilities, which ensure situational knowledge of the national, regional and international maritimeenvironment,resultingin effective jurisdictional control and interoperability with other centers localand/orregional.

The specific tasks will consist of the collection, evaluation and fusion of maritime traffic information, which will be shared with the different police, military and civilian agencies, as well as carrying out an adequate analysis of the information in order to obtain a precise picture of the maritime situation and area of interest; Therefore, offering reliable information to agencies and vessels that will allow quick responses in the shortest possible time.

Harbor Master

¿What do the

HARBOR MASTERS DO?

This unit will have the specific function of supervising the operational andadministrativeperformancesofthepersonnelatthedifferentHarbor MastersandreportingittotheheadoftheMAACDepartment.

Thespecificfunctions ofthis unit arethe following:

1. Supervise the 13 Harbor Mastery’s at the nationallevelpriortotheapprovaloftours bytheNationalCoordinator,Deputy CoordinatorandGeneralDirector/Deputy Director.

2. Elaboratetechnicalopinionsincaseofthe detentionofavesselbytheHonduran NavalForce.

3. Elaboratetechnicalopinionsforvessels thatfailtocomplywiththerulesstatedin theOrganicLawoftheGDMM.

4. Elaborate reports of the maritime movementsoflargerandsmallervessels.

5. Controlofsailboatsthatarriveandsetsail fromthecountry,whileinformingthe NationalCoordinatorandDeputy Coordinator.

6. Elaboratespecialsetsails.

7. Controlandmanagementofsolidwastes.

8. Controlofthenewregistrydatabase.

9. Elaboratereportsofnewregistrations, renewalsanddeparturesforthePublic InformationAccessDepartment(PIA).

10. Control of the registration and renewal records regarding vessels and registries in jurisdictional units.

11.Inspections and registries of vessels from Tegucigalpa and lake Yojoa.

12.Respondtoofficiallettersfromthe Public Ministry (PM) reviewed by the National coordinator and Deputycoordinator.

13.Respondtoofficiallettersfromthe Foreign Relations Office reviewed by the National coordinator and Deputycoordinator.

14.Internal archive of new registries andrenovationssentbytheHarbor masters.

15.Electronic issuance of renewed navigation permits managed by maritime users in different jurisdictionalunits.

16.Scansanctionresolutionsfromthe General secretary and notify them totheclientsviaemail.

17.ElaboratetheAnnualOperative Plantoconsolidatethegeneral AOPofMAAC.