The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has warned that seafarers who repeatedly breach safety instructions or engage in misconduct aboard vessels could face enforcement action.
In a marine notice issued following recent cases involving disciplinary matters, MSAF reminded shipowners, operators, masters, seafarers and agents of the importance of maintaining discipline and order aboard vessels.
The Authority stressed that ship masters have the final authority over the operation of their vessels and the conduct of everyone on board.
MSAF said maintaining discipline was essential to protecting lives at sea and ensuring lawful crew management.
“With recent cases on the above subject matter, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) would like to remind all Shipowners, Ship Operators, Masters, Seafarers and Agents of the Master’s duty to have the final authority to control the ship while in command and for the discipline of all persons on board.”
The Authority also directed shipping companies to ensure that proper disciplinary procedures were incorporated into their Safe Ship Management Systems and implemented aboard their vessels.
It warned that misconduct affecting the safe operation of vessels, repeated failure to comply with lawful safety instructions or behaviour contributing to maritime accidents and incidents must be reported.
“Any such recurring records against a seafarer will engage the enforcement measures of MSAF,” the notice stated.
The Authority said the requirements were intended to strengthen accountability and ensure that all personnel complied with safety procedures while at sea.
Shipowners, operators and masters have been reminded of their responsibility to report disciplinary issues to MSAF.
The notice follows recent cases involving misconduct, although the Authority did not provide details of the incidents or identify the vessels involved.
