Fiji has greatly benefitted from the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (PSC) in order to be on par with international standards and requirements.

Tokyo MOU is a regional port state control organisation that Fiji is a signatory to.

This follows a week-long training conducted by expert mission trainers from Japan: Vice-principal port state control officer Katsumi Iida of Chugoku District and port state control officer Hiroya Katayama of the Kyoto Branch Office of Kiki District.

Ten Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) surveyors from Suva and Lautoka underwent training on PSC inspection under SOLAS, MARPOL and Load Line (LL) Convention.

Government of Japan’s port state control officer Hiroya Katayama said their role was to equip local officers for best inspection performance, enhancement of team capability and learn how to apply the SOLAS, MARPOL and LL Conventions effectively.

Mr Katayama said understanding the practical applications of the LL Convention was very important for all PSC officers.

He said their role is to equip locals to fully understand the Tokyo MOU which is there to ensure that foreign vessels entering a member state’s port of entries are in compliance with the IMO Conventions and to prevent sub-standard ships from sailing.

MSAF technical training / senior surveyor Malakai Cakau said Fiji has benefitted in a lot of technical assistance programmes like the Port State Controls, which is conducted through expert mission since 2013.

“Our officers have learned a lot and are now able to understand some of the practical applications of SOLAS, MARPOL and LL Conventions.

“After the training on the review, the surveyors were able to have a clear view on the specific skills that they need to have when boarding the vessel,” Mr Cakau said.

He said MSAF surveyors have been urged to know all required conventions related to their line of duty.

“The training has allowed our surveyors to be more alert on the specifics of each convention and where to implement them,” Mr Cakau added.

About Tokyo MOU

There are nine MOU that divides the whole world for Port State Control (PSC) inspection purposes and one of them is the Tokyo MOU of which Fiji is a member state.

PSC involves the inspection of ships flying foreign flags coming into Fiji. The other inspection is known as Flag State inspection of ships that fly the Fiji flag and are operating domestically.

With these inspections, MSAF ensures that the ships are safe and secure to proceed to sea.

Furthermore, this ensures the protection of the crew and passengers on board and the protection of the marine environment.