MSAF Offers Scuttling Services for Derelict Vessels
Recently, MSAF pollution officers had conducted scuttling service for a local ship MV Uluinabukelevu. The vessel was sunk 20 miles (32 kilometres) south of Suva.
Thursday 12 September 2024 | 16:11
Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji chief executive officer, Joweli Cawaki. Photo: Romeka Kumari
Ship owners requiring scuttling services or disposal of their old, unused or derelict vessels can now make a request for help from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF).
In maritime terms, scuttling refers to the proper and safe disposal of abandoned or derelict vessels.
With derelict sailing vessels becoming an eyesore on Fiji’s waters, MSAF chief executive officer Joweli Cawaki hopes that the scuttling services would solve the problem.
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“That is the facility that is available to vessel owners should they want to get rid of their old vessels that are not safe for operation,” Mr Cawaki said.
“We want to inform ship owners to submit a request letter for scuttling and pay for the scuttling services to MSAF.”
Recently, MSAF pollution officers had conducted scuttling service for a local ship MV Uluinabukelevu. The vessel was sunk 20 miles (32 kilometres) south of Suva.
Mr Cawaki said the MV Uluinabukelevu was inspected and cleaned before it was sunken.
“They removed oil and other debris before it was sunken,” he said.
“After submitting a request letter for scuttling to MSAF, the ship owner needs to pay the scuttling fees. MSAF will then submit a checklist for removal of oil and debris to the ship owner.”
He said ship owners needed to report back to MSAF after the completion of cleaning carried out on their vessels.
“MSAF pollution officer will conduct a final check to confirm the ship is ready for scuttling and submit inspection report to MSCR. The MSCR and AtoN officer to provide approval letter for scuttling with coordinates and depth. The ship owner is to provide the copy of the approval letter to Fiji Ports.”
Mr Cawaki said it would be optional for ship owners to use a tugboat or another ship for towing for the scuttling ship.
“MSAF pollution officer is to accompany the ship for scuttling to confirm the ship is scuttled to the actual coordinates. After scuttling, the pollution officer must provide a final report of the ship has been scuttled.”
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