MSAF to Conduct Ship Inspections

The Maritime Authority of Fiji will be conducting flag state inspections on all ships.

This is a directive aimed to enhance the safety, well-being, and comfort of all individuals onboard the ship including crew and passengers.

In an advice from MSAF, the regulatory authority said the flag state inspections were in line with its mandate to ensure that conditions onboard ships are compliant and continually meet safety standards.

“MSAF remains committed to ensuring the highest standards of maritime safety and urges all stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of persons onboard and the effectiveness of the maritime operations.”

MSAF has also advised all ship owners, operators, masters, and officers on the importance of maintaining proper condition of machinery onboard ships.

This included housekeeping and the general upkeep of the ship facilities.

The advice from MSAF follows the need for shipping operators to meet these requirements to ensure the safety and wellbeing of passengers and crew onboard ships.

MSAF urged ship operators, ,owners, masters and officers to ensure compliance to the following directives: 

• All ship owners, operators, masters and officers of ships are required to ensure adequate ventilation for both crew and passengers on board the ship;
• Ship owners, operators, masters and officers are mandated to maintain a high standard of housekeeping and general upkeep for all ship facilities for both crew and passengers, including but not limited to, seating arrangements, onboard accommodation (for crew), and washrooms; and
• It is imperative that owners, operators, masters and officers ensure the continuous operational status of essential machinery on board the ship. This includes but is not limited to, the main engine supply, backup generators, emergency generators and other related machinery. Regular maintenance and testing are crucial to ensure their reliability during critical situations.

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