MSAF gives seafarers one week to renew medical certificates ahead of compliance checks

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has given seafarers, shipowners and vessel operators one week to ensure medical fitness certificates are valid before nationwide compliance checks begin.

Acting chief executive officer Sereana Lalakobau said the authority would conduct inspections to verify that seafarers serving on Fiji-registered ships and other applicable vessels hold valid Certificates of Medical Fitness.

The checks are aimed at ensuring seafarers are medically fit to safely carry out their duties at sea and to protect the safety of vessels, crews, passengers, cargo and the marine environment.

Under the Maritime Transport Act 2013 and the Maritime (STCW Convention) Regulations 2014, applicable seafarers are required to hold valid medical fitness certificates and produce them when requested by MSAF or vessel masters.

The requirement also extends to fishers and seafarers serving on fishing vessels.

Ms Lalakobau reminded shipowners, operators and masters to ensure all crew members hold valid certificates appropriate to their duties and area of operation.

Copies of the certificates must be kept onboard and made available during inspections or verification exercises conducted by authorised MSAF officers.

She warned that seafarers found serving without valid medical certificates could face further regulatory action.

Shipowners, operators and masters may also be held accountable for failing to comply with Fiji's maritime laws and regulations.

MSAF said non-compliance could result in enforcement measures, including vessel detention, refusal of clearance, suspension of relevant documents or other penalties provided for under existing legislation.

To assist the industry, MSAF has granted a one-week grace period from June 8 for maritime personnel to obtain or renew medical fitness certificates that have expired, are invalid or cannot be produced upon request.

For further information, maritime personnel have been advised to contact MSAF's Enforcement Compliance Office.