Fiji has rolled out a landmark Offshore Fishing Crew Policy, setting new standards for worker protections at sea, from fair pay and medical care to personal freedom and safety.
“This policy will empower iTaukei fishing communities and create a viable career path for individuals through fishers work agreements and good governance,” Minister for Fisheries and Forests Alitia Bainivalu told The Fiji Times.
The sweeping reforms are the most comprehensive yet seen in Fiji’s fisheries sector, aimed at improving conditions for offshore crew while aligning national practice with international labour and maritime standards.
Key provisions in the policy cover medical exams, manning rules, hours of rest, repatriation rights, occupational health and safety, grievance procedures, freedom of movement and protection from abuse or exploitation.
Ms Bainivalu said enforcement would rely on the ministry’s Observer and Enforcement Program to monitor crew conditions aboard vessels, addressing current legislative gaps.
“The policy recognises the rights of female workers and provides provisions for suitable accommodation, remuneration, freedom of association and grievance procedure.
“It aligns Fiji to International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the Maritime Labour Convention C188.”
The ministry will also roll out training and outreach initiatives to ensure crew members understand their rights and can report mistreatment without fear.
Although the ministry is still compiling data on women’s participation in the offshore sector, the policy’s inclusive approach marks a critical step toward fairer and safer seas for all Fijian fishers.
