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Representatives from the shipping and marine transit sectors in Tanzania have called for independent regulation of the country's maritime sector to replace the oversight of the Surface and Marine Transport Regulatory Authority (SUMATRA), Tanzania's Daily News reported Tuesday (August 28th).

"We are a maritime country that needs a powerful maritime authority to safeguard safety of services, which is lacking at present," said Emmanuel Mallya, chairman of the Tanzania Shipping Agents Association.

Mallya decried the deaths of more than 300 people in three separate boat accidents in Tanzania this past year, which he said tarnishes the image of the country's shipping sector. He said the agency does not have enough qualified personnel or the necessary resources to regulate the industry and guarantee safety.

"Poor maritime safety is affecting private companies more than anybody else because we are losing business, as people have no confidence in our service," said Ashraf Khan, chairman of the Inland Container Depot Association of Tanzania.

SUMATRA Public Relations Manager David Mziray rejected their complaints. "We have some problems, but we are doing our best, which is why maritime accidents on the mainland are low," he said.