AS of January 1, 2026, an updated version of the Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities (PSSR) course will come into effect.
The change was confirmed by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji in a notice last week.
The notice was for all locally based Fiji seafarers trading within Fiji waters.
The authority’s acting CEO, Iliesa Batisaresare, said the update aligned with the amendments to STCW Table A-VI/1-4, adopted under the IMO Resolution MSC.560 (108), relating to the new mandatory competence on “Prevention of and response to violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.”
“While this updated PSSR component is mandatory for seafarers serving on foreign (international) vessels, it is issued for the information of all domestic seafarers,” he said.
On applicability, local domestic seafarers are encouraged to update their valid PSSR to the new amendments and any domestic seafarers intending to seek employment on foreign-going vessels on or after January 1, 2026, will be required to complete the updated PSSR module at an MSAF-approved Maritime Training Institute (MTI).
Mr Batisaresare said early preparation are encouraged to avoid delays in processing overseas employment opportunities.
On training requirement for seafarers seeking foreign employment, they must attend the updated PSSR training module at an MSAF-approved MTI, obtain a new PSSR certificate to manning agents, foreign administrations, or Port State Control when required.
He said it ensured compliance with the amended STCW Convention, which becomes enforceable from January 1.
