The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has urged shipping operators to ensure that their vessel senior crew is qualified and they strictly observe all maritime laws.
MSAF acting chief executive John Tunidau made the comment in light of the MV Uluinabukelevu incident.
The MV Uluinabukelevu carrying 32 passengers was stranded on a reef in Oneata, in the Lau Group in July.
Following the incident, an officer from MSAF was assigned to Oneata to carry out preliminary investigations into the stranded of the vessel.
“Investigations have been completed and the findings will only be made available to the affected parties,” Mr Tunidau said of the report.
“In light of this incident, MSAF would like to strongly advise all shipping operators to ensure that Ship Masters are qualified and must adhere (at all times) to navigational requirements prescribed in Fiji’s maritime legislations.”
The MV Uluinabukelevu is expected to be back in business in the next few weeks.
The vessel, owned by Valesasa Transportation Company Limited (VTCL) was undergoing repair and maintenance works at the Marine Industrial and Structural Engineering Limited (MISEL) slipway in Walu Bay, Suva.
VTCL managing director Ilaitia Caginavanua said the vessel was salvaged and brought back to Suva three weeks ago.
“The vessel is currently up the slipway and we intend to return to sea, hopefully by next week by servicing our first franchise run to uneconomical routes of Kadavu,” Mr Caginavanua said.