With the 2018 World Maritime Day on the hori­zon, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is raising awareness for a better and efficient local shipping industry.

Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) acting chief executive of­ficer Philip Hill said MSAF’s prime objective was to ensure that stake­holders which include shipping operators, shipping agents, ship owners and sea fearers adhere to and comply with the highest safety standards.

“Strengthening communication whereby all boat captains inform turaga-ni-koro or a family member of their planned voyage, time of ar­rival at destination including the return journey,” Mr Hill said.

All boat captains, he said were encouraged to carry a mobile tel­ephone to maintain contact and ad­vise the progress of their voyage to the turaga-ni-koro or family mem­ber ashore.

“Boat captain must be in continu­ous communication until the boat has safely reached its destination,” he said.

Mr Hill said there was a need for the public to use rubbish bins which should be provided on board every vessel.

“Dumping plastics at sea is pro­hibited. Heavy fines can be levied on perpetrators if they are caught dumping rubbish at sea,” he said.

He has advised travellers on small boats that all rubbish be brought back ashore for proper disposal.

The World Maritime Day celebra­tion is on September 27, 2018 at the Ratu Sukuna Park with the theme: “Our Heritage – Better Shipping for a Better Future”.

MSAF is organising a one day event packed with activities and displays that will demonstrate the hard yards covered by their stake­holders in promoting the maritime shipping industry. Globally the event is a week-long celebration.