The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) has issued two Notices to Mariners warning of ongoing offshore drilling activities and upcoming geophysical surveys along Guyana’s coast, urging vessels to exercise caution in affected areas.In Notice to Mariners No. 075 of 2026, MARAD said ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) “will continue developmental drilling operations at the Uaru Project’s UA_3108 Drill Center within the Stabroek Block of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone.”According to the notice, the MODU Noble Sam Croft will be engaged in drilling activities up to April 30, 2026, supported by several vessels. These vessels will display the appropriate international signals while operating.The drill site is located approximately 99.9 nautical miles offshore and spans about 0.29 square nautical miles. MARAD advised that “all mariners are required to stay clear of these vessels and navigate with extreme caution when in the vicinity.”Meanwhile, in a separate advisory, Notice to Mariners No. 076 of 2026, MARAD announced that IT International Telecom will commence geophysical surveying operations along the East Coast of Demerara from April 7, 2026.The exercise, which will utilise the vessel SV Gilligan Island, is scheduled to conclude on May 30, 2026. The survey area extends from the coastline to roughly 12.9 nautical miles offshore, covering more than 22 square nautical miles.MARAD similarly cautioned that “all mariners are required to stay clear of this vessel and navigate with extreme caution when in the vicinity,” as the vessel will also display the required international signals.The department noted that communication with the vessels or the Georgetown Lighthouse can be made via VHF Channel 16.Both notices were issued on April 7, 2026, and signed by Harbour Master (Ag) R. Seurattan, acting on behalf of the Director General.
