WITH inter-island travel and commercial maritime operations entering a busy season, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is reminding small-boat owners, resort transport managers and commercial operators that compliance begins before a vessel leaves shore.
MSAF is stressing the importance of ensuring every skipper operates strictly within the limitations printed on their official Certificate of Competency under the Maritime Transport Act.
For operators, that means checking that a crew member’s qualification matches both the vessel being operated and the area in which the vessel will travel.
The reminder comes as small commercial vessels continue to play an important role in coastal and inter-island transport.
One of the key qualifications for small commercial vessel operators is the Boat Master Licence (BML).
BML holders are limited to operating vessels under 15 metres in length and 20 gross registered tonnage (GRT), exclusively within sheltered waters.
These waters include rivers, harbours, bays and protected inner reefs.
MSAF said BML holders must have specific additional endorsements before undertaking open-ocean passages or outer-island runs.
The restrictions are intended to ensure that a captain’s certification corresponds with the type of vessel and voyage being undertaken.
Another qualification covered by MSAF’s compliance reminder is the Restricted Master/Engineer Class 6 (RME-6).
RME-6 holders are restricted to vessels under 15 metres and 20GRT undertaking designated inshore voyages, which are local coastal routes.
The qualification carries responsibility for both safe navigation and engine readiness.
MSAF advises operators to ensure pre-departure machinery and bilge checks are completed before casting off.
These checks form part of the preparations required before a vessel begins its voyage and reinforce the importance of ensuring the vessel and its crew are ready for the intended operation.
MSAF said compliance is not solely the responsibility of the captain.
Boat owners and managers also have a responsibility to verify that their crew’s qualifications match the size of the vessel and the intended voyage area before departure.
For commercial operators and resort transport managers, reviewing crew certifications and survey documents is therefore an important part of maintaining compliance.
MSAF is encouraging maritime employers and resort operators to review their crew certifications and survey documents this week.
The authority said maintaining safe seas requires a shared commitment to compliance and proactive action.
