The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is strengthening enforcement and compliance to ensure safer and more sustainable maritime operations nationwide, says MSAF acting CEO Iliesa Batisaresare.
Mr Batisaresare reported that the authority conducts an average of 1460 vessel surveys annually and 10 port state inspections per month for the past five years.
In 2025 alone, nearly 60,000 vessel clearances were recorded, and approximately 7000 checks.
Mr Batisaresare said regulation remains central to maritime safety.
“MSAF plays a vital role in marine and environmental protection through our response and pollution monitoring, which ensures that maritime transport remains safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible,” he said.
He explained that Fiji currently maintains about 99 lighthouses across the country, many of which have been rehabilitated with donor support.
He said MSAF also plays a role in enforcing international maritime conventions ratified by Fiji, ensuring that global standards are applied locally through national legislation.
“Of the 59 International Maritime Organisation conventions, we have ratified 26 so far.”
He added that interagency collaboration and engagement were essential, especially in areas where enforcement presence is limited.
“The authority is working towards promoting cleaner and more efficient shipping practices by supporting operational improvements, upskilling personnel, and aligning industry readiness with emerging low-carbon maritime technologies and fuels.”
Mr Batisaresare said by recognising those current gaps in verified maritime activity, MSAF was also working to improve data systems and develop a maritime greenhouse gas inventory to support future decarbonisation efforts.
“MSAF continues to strengthen regulatory effectiveness while adapting to emerging challenges such as climate change, decarbonization, and growing transport demand.”
He said these efforts would help ensure that Fiji’s maritime sector remained safe, credible, and resilient.
