Shipping operator blasts MSAF over poor training, weak oversight

Fiji’s maritime safety watchdog has come under fire in Parliament, with a shipping industry leader blaming poor training and weak oversight for unsafe conditions at sea, even as seafarers demand higher wages.

During submissions to the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs on the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill today in Parliament, Goundar Shipping Services Limited owner George Goundar told MPs that some seafarers are being issued certificates without proper hands-on experience.

He claimed this includes engineers who have never worked in an engine room before being licensed.

Mr Goundar said this puts passengers, cargo and vessels at risk, while ship owners are left to deal with the consequences.

He questioned the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), asking, “How can someone hold an engineering certificate if they have never worked in an engine room?”

He said ship owners are increasingly worried about safety at sea, especially when poorly trained crew are combined with drug and alcohol abuse.

The shipping operator argued that while seafarers are pushing for higher wages, the industry is struggling with crews who are not properly trained or disciplined.

He said ship owners invest years and large sums of money training workers, only for some to leave as soon as they receive their licences.

In response, MSAF senior legal officer Tui Kilakila acknowledged the issues being raised by the shipping owner, noting that some “maritime labour regulations, including those linked to international conventions, are still in draft form.”

Mr Kilakila said current oversight relies on existing standards and training certification regulations, while efforts continue to align maritime rules with labour laws.

However, Mr Goundar criticised MSAF for failing to properly enforce existing maritime standards, claiming that problems around training, drug use and discipline have gone unchecked for years.

Mr Kilakila again acknowledged the concerns being raised by the shipping owner.

Meanwhile, the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill proposes stronger penalties for employers and expanded worker protections, including stricter compliance rules.

Shipping operators warned MPs that without fixing training and regulatory failures first, the Bill could place more pressure on an industry already struggling with safety and staff shortages.

Feedback: rariqi.turner@fijisun.com.fj