SHIPPING TIMES | MSAF calls out captains, boat owners, tightens inspections

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MSAF officer conducts inspection on a vessel. Picture: MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY OF FIJI

THE Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has issued an urgent call for ship owners and captains to collect outstanding registration and survey certificates.

The documents are legal requirements for vessel operation and failing to carry them can lead to operational delays or regulatory penalties for ship owners and captains.

MSAF recently noted that several operators have yet to retrieve their finalised paperwork. These certificates serve as official proof that a vessel meets the rigorous safety standards required to navigate Fiji’s waters.

In tandem with this reminder, MSAF teams have also been conducting intensive inspections of inter-island vessels.

These checks focuses on engine performance, verifying mechanical reliability to prevent mid-sea breakdowns, deck safety to ensure all operational areas meet safety and equipment standards and seaworthiness, and confirming the vessel is fit to transport passengers, crew, and cargo safely.

“These checks are vital for maintaining maritime safety and protecting lives at sea,” the authority said.

MSAF remains dedicated to strengthening Fiji’s maritime sector through consistent monitoring and enforcement.