World Maritime Day (WMD) this year will be celebrated at Ratu Sukuna Park in Suva on September 27.

Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) Chief Executive Officer Captain Philip Hill said globally the event will be a week -long celebration by MSAF is organised a one day event packed with activities and displays.

“Event also will demonstrate the hard yards covered by our stakeholders in promoting the maritime shipping industry,” Mr Hill said.

The theme of this year’s WMD is “Our Heritage – Better Shipping for a Better Future”.

“MSAF as the regulatory authority for all maritime operations in the country would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness on four key points, which we feel will in turn promote the theme of this year’s celebrations,” he said.

“Four points drive  us home to MSAF’s prime goal which is to make sure that our stakeholders consisting  of shipping operators, shipping agents, ship owners and sea fearers adhere to the highest safety standards.”

Mr Hill said all adults in any vessel should make sure the safety of their children as well as any person accompanying on a trip  are observed.

“In ensuring their safety, people should question the boat master if the vessel is sea worthy in the sense that it has complied with MSAF’s regulations,” he said.

Two key pointers, he said  that one must look out for is that the Ship Master holds boat Master license and the vessel has a survey certificate endorsed and approved by MSAF.

There is a need, he said for every person on board to have a life jacket.

“Wearing a life jacket should never depend on the weather pattern or a situation besides it is a requirement on any traveling passenger on a vessel to ensure they have a life jacket ready for their use at the start of any journey,” he said.

Weather forecast, he said was a must to check before the journey and adhering to local weather bulletin  was  must.

“Every person will be the judge when it comes to the weather bulletins and it is advisable that weather bulletins are strictly followed,” he said.

Mr Hill said the responsibility of traveling is not only at the Boat Master’s discretion, the responsibility also lies with a passenger.

“The decision to cancel any travel due to adverse weather condition is also the responsibility of the passenger and also a key role to play when it comes to safety at sea,” he said.