The Saint Lucia Division of Maritime Affairs (DMA) was established in 2000 following an amendment to the SLASPA Act No, 10 of 1983 and the Shipping Act No.11 of 1994. The DMA is supported and administered by the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) a statutory body operating within the framework of the Ministry of Transport and Works. The DMA is mandated to support the operations of local vessels and ensures the nation's maritime activities are conducted in accordance with national and international maritime safety and pollution prevention standards.

Objectives/Functions of the Department include:

• Survey and certify Saint Lucian ships to the standards of applicable IMO Safety Conventions,
• Registration and licensing of ships;
• Establish Manning of ships/Passenger Capacity-certification of seafarers;
• The conduct of Port and Flag State Control inspections;
• The investigation of Shipping Casualties- Causes and Safeguard measures
• Ensure the training, examination and issue of certificates to seafarers
• Assist and facilitate the development of the maritime sector; through training and education- Boaters/Seafarers/ Police Officers
• Search and Rescue (SAR)-Liaison with IMO/Assist Marine Unit
• SAR protocols- Communications; VHF vs Cell phones/Maritime Rescue Coordinating Center (MRCC).