The Fiji Military Forces Navy’s new vessel that is expected to arrive in the country in December will provide the boost and technology to assist the Fijian Navy survey the Fiji waters.

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu said the new vessel will include the latest technology to enhance the services of the Fijian Navy in surveying the Fiji  waters.

“The new vessel is equipped with the latest hydrographic technology that will enhance the service delivery of the hydrographic surveys by the Fijian Navy,” Mr Seruiratu said.

“The new vessel will help us conduct the hydrographic surveys in places that are yet to be surveyed and re-surveyed by the Fijian Navy,” he said.

“This vessel, though has upgraded hydrographic survey materials also has a multi role function that will leave us with the flexibility to utilise Kacau for other purposes in trying to meet the expectations of other treaties and conventions that we have rectified.”

Mr Seruiratu said the Fijian Navy was responsible in surveying the Fiji waters and providing updated hydrographic and oceanography data for safety of navigation for ships that travel our waters.

“The current status of Fiji’s hydrographic survey includes 63 per cent of Fiji’s waters has been adequately surveyed, 30 per cent requires re-surveying and 85 per cent of Fiji’s waters has been systematically surveyed.

“With saying the above, it is clear that 85 per cent of Fiji’s waters beyond 200 meters depth have never been surveyed.

“The new vessel with its vast resources will help us with these surveys and we are thankful for this.”

Mr Seruiratu added that hydrography mainly deals with the service of the sea water with the safety of navigation while oceanography deals with depth of  400 meters and involves density, salinity, temperature, currents and sea bed as well.

The surveying of the Fiji waters is part of Fiji’s obligation to the Safety Of Life At Sea convention (SOLAS )and as members of the IMO and the International Hydrographic Organisation.