Passengers urged to report vessel defects

Ferry passengers are being urged to report any defects on shipping vessels that may compromise their safety.

The call comes from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) chief executive officer, Joeli Cawaki {pictured), in response to ongoing concerns about poorly maintained vessels.

Mr Cawaki stressed the importance of promptly reporting defects directly to MSAF, allowing operators to address issues swiftly and ensuring public safety is upheld, particularly during the busy festive season.

"Passengers pay fares with the expectation of quality service. Their safety remains paramount," he said.

He revealed certain vessels with a history of defects would be closely monitored during this period.

"Each vessel must have a safe ship management system in place, and employees must ensure public safety at all times," he said.

When questioned about how MSAF would handle breaches of passenger capacity limits, Mr Cawaki explained that vessels would be stopped to identify the cause of the breach before corrective measures were implemented.

"We must understand why the breach occurred and take steps to address it before the vessel resumes operations," he added.

Acknowledging the significant costs involved in ship maintenance, Mr Cawaki encouraged operators to carry out regular, timely upkeep to avoid major faults.

He also advised passengers to report substandard seating or unhygienic conditions, which have been recurring complaints on social media.

MSAF is committed to monitoring vessel hygiene and enforcing compliance with safety standards to create a healthy and comfortable environment for passengers.

Mr Cawaki also reminded operators to adhere to shipping schedules to ensure timely pick-ups and drop-offs.

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