Ship Operators, Stakeholders to Comply: MSAF CEO
MSAF is also looking to increase its staffing and branch offices across the country mainly in areas such as Natovi where there is a frequent flow of inter-island vessels to the jetty.
Wednesday 05 June 2024 | 05:12
Maritime Safety Authority of Fij officers during a ship inspection. Photo: MSAF
With the marine infringement notice in its full effect this month, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is expecting all shipping operators and stakeholders to comply.
Chief executive officer Joweli Cawaki said the issuance of the marine infringement notice has never been done before.
Mr Cawaki said the objective is to regularise things in the maritime industry.
“In the sense that when you own or operate a boat, there are things that needs to be done such as registering the vessel, licensing and getting it surveyed by MSAF,” Mr Cawaki said.
“That boat needs to have good engine, safety equipment’s that need to be in the boat irrespective of the size of the boat, we also have the manning which also depends on the size of the engine
“Small fiber boat is one captain and boat master so once you increase, there’s the boat master, engineer and the deckhand.
“We are doing this to ensure that ships, boats or vessels that people board are safe on Fiji waters.”
MSAF is also looking to increase its staffing and branch offices across the country mainly in areas such as Natovi where there is a frequent flow of inter-island vessels to the jetty.
He said MSAF is currently understaffed and under resourced to be placed at various jetties in Fiji.
“But our plan is to have 60 for the whole of Fiji and we will work with Government, Fiji Roads Authority to build more jetties,” Mr Cawaki said.
“Our office should be at the jetty or in all the areas where we have the boats come in, we should be there to look at boats coming in and out of that jetty.”
At the moment, there are about 47 jetties in Fiji.
Feedback: laiseana.nasiga@fijisun.com.fj
