THE Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has established its first office on Kadavu, bringing essential maritime safety and compliance services closer to boat owners and vessel operators in the province.
The interim office is located at the Provincial Administrator’s Office in Vunisea and will serve local mariners, commercial vessel operators and boat owners while plans for a permanent facility are finalised.
Previously, boat owners on Kadavu faced logistical and financial challenges in accessing basic maritime services, often travelling across open waters to Suva or other MSAF stations on Viti Levu for registration, licensing and compliance requirements.
The new office will provide services including boat registration, safety equipment inspections, licence renewals and maritime safety advisory support, reducing the need for residents to travel long distances to access these services.
MSAF executive chairman Savenaca Cavalevu said the establishment of the interim station reflected the authority’s commitment to improving access to maritime services for outer-island communities.
“The establishment of our presence at the Provincial Administrator’s Office in Vunisea reflects MSAF’s commitment to bringing vital maritime safety and compliance services directly to our island communities,” he said.
“By opening this interim station, we ensure that boat owners and operators in Kadavu no longer face the burden of travelling long distances to Suva to access these essential services, making our maritime operations safer and more accessible for everyone.”
MSAF plans to establish a permanent facility on designated land on the island to provide long-term support for the region.
The expansion forms part of the authority’s broader efforts to strengthen maritime safety standards, enforce regulatory compliance and support economic livelihoods in Fiji’s maritime communities.
