Port state control officers play a crucial role in enforcing international conventions and protecting the marine environment.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji’s (MSAF) port state control officers are attending a training under the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Mission this week in Suva.
The Tokyo MOU is an active regional port State control (PSC) organisation in the world which consists of 22 members authorities in the Asia-Pacific region.
The training, according to MSAF runs from August 11 to August 15 and is a partnership between MSAF and the Tokyo MOU Secretariat.
The training as stated by the authority enables the participation of two esteemed trainers from the China Maritime Safety Administration, Zhao Liang and Lai Guoliang.
MSAF CEO Joweli Cawaki said the officers play a critical role in enforcing international conventions and in upholding the integrity of global trade not only in Fiji, but in the Pacific region.
“You will also learn about the relevant conventions, inspection procedures, detention protocols and harmonised practices under the Tokyo MOU framework,” Mr Cawaki said.
“It is also an opportunity to learn from experts from China.”
He urged the trainees to engage effectively and make the most of the week-long training.
According to Tokyo MOU, its aim is to establish an effective port state control regime in the Asia-Pacific region through co-operation of its members and harmonisation of their activities, to eliminate sub-standard shipping so as to promote maritime safety, to protect the marine environment and to safeguard working and living conditions on board ships.
MSAF is a member of the Tokyo MOU.