Bill to protect seafarers

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is drafting a Bill with the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations to standardise the welfare of seafarers.

The drafting of the Bill stemmed from the rising concerns of seafarer jump-shipping without any Notice of Leave. MSAF chief executive officer Joweli Cawaki said now shipping companies dictated the service conditions including their employees’ salaries.

“There is an increasing recurrence in shipping staff jump-shipping as soon as they berth on the wharf,” Mr Cawaki said.

“It happens with all the shipping companies now. They leave the company without any notice of leave.”

Mr Cawaki said the drafting of the Maritime Labour Bill would allow them and the Ministry to share the load of enforcement and monitoring seafarers.

“It’s not happening, we have a draft which will continue next year,” he said.

“Interlink and Goundar pay workers when the crew members are onboard, compared to other companies like South Sea Cruise which pay seven days inclusive of day-off.”

While discussions are ongoing, Mr Cawaki said the investigation to the running aground of two Goundar ships last month would soon be completed.

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