MARITIME professionals from across Fiji recently gathered in Lautoka for a four-day US Coast Guard (USCG) capacity building seminar on Port Security Personnel Responsibilities.
The seminar, facilitated by the USCG International Port Security Program, comes in response to a USCG audit and is aimed at strengthening maritime governance and operational security standards in Fiji.
Speaking during the opening session, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) acting chief executive officer Sereana Lalakobau said the training was an important step toward improving the country’s maritime security framework.
“As the designated authority, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is utilising this training to build effective maritime governance and transition from theoretical compliance to operational reality,” Ms Lalakobau said.
She said the four-day program would focus on practical maritime security skills, including access control, cargo and vehicle searches, conflict management, contingency planning and cyber security awareness.
Ms Lalakobau stressed the importance of complying with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, saying it was critical to maintaining Fiji’s reputation as a reliable trade partner within the global supply chain.
“Beyond economics, the code protects the lives of passengers and personnel, the integrity of cargo, and critical infrastructure from the risks of security incidents,” she said.
She also highlighted that the regulations provided a legal framework for assessing vulnerabilities and carried significant administrative and criminal penalties for non-compliance to ensure high standards of maritime safety.
Participants at the seminar represented a broad cross-section of Fiji’s maritime sector, including Petro Oceania, Tropik Wood, Fiji Sugar Corporation, Fiji Water, Blue Gas, Port Denarau, Amex Resources and Fiji Ports Corporation Limited.
