The fact that Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure Ro Filipe Tuisawau has warned shipping operators to get their vessels in shape and safe for the travelling public will be welcomed.
There will, however, be some concern as well. His comment comes in the wake of a third report of an inter-island vessel drifting for about four hours after experiencing engine problems.
He said the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) had reassured him they were addressing the situation.
Ro Filipe warned “all shipping operators to ensure that their vessels are safe and operate in accordance with set standards or more stringent measures will be taken to ensure the safety of the travelling public”.
MSAF chief executive officer Joeli Cawaki said his team was in discussions with the shipping company to address the recent incident.
Divisional Police Commander North Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka said ship company owners should be aware we are in a busy period and should ensure their vessels are fit to sail.
The latest incident follows a complaint last month by commuters between Natovi and Nabouwalu about the same problem they experienced out at sea in another vessel.
These incidents should be a wakeup call for the industry and for those tasked with ensuring the safety of the travelling public.
It places the safety aspect of our shipping services on a high pedestal.
We welcome Ro Filipe’s directive and believe it touches the very heart of the service.
Safety is paramount, and at this time of the year, as we are well into the festive season, thousands of people will be travelling around the country.
They will be on our highways, in the air and using our shipping services to travel to the many islands that make up our nation.
In saying that, we wonder about how much attention is focused on safety.
While MSAF are there, obviously to regulate and uphold safety standards, such incidents are worrying.
Many questions will no doubt be asked of stakeholders.
They will be asked of the owners of shipping companies.
And there will be concern on the part of travellers.
We need to nurture an appreciation of safety right across the board.
That has to embrace the owners of vessels, the regulators, passengers and vessel skippers.
Otherwise, we will be playing with lives!
There must be a united front and priorities clearly pointed out, and it should not just be about ticking a box when it comes to safety.
Lives are at stake, and the travelling public will be onboard vessels with high expectations.
There also has to be accountability for what happens at sea!
