MAINTAINING discipline on board ships is vital to safety at sea, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has reminded shipowners and masters.
In a Marine Notice, MSAF stressed that the master had the final authority to control a ship while in command and was responsible for maintaining discipline among all persons on board.
The reminder was directed at shipowners, ship operators, masters, seafarers and agents following recent cases involving the matter.
MSAF said maintaining discipline was a key part of ensuring the safe operation of vessels and lawful crew management.
“Shipowners, ship operators, masters, seafarers and agents are reminded to ensure that disciplinary procedures are implemented as part of the Safe Ship Management System for the company and also onboard its ships,” the authority stated.
The notice also highlighted the need to report misconduct that could compromise the safety of a vessel.
This included behaviour affecting the safe operation of ships, repeated disregard for lawful safety requirements or instructions, and misconduct contributing to an accident, incident or mishap.
MSAF said such matters should be reported to the authority.
It warned that recurring records of misconduct against a seafarer would trigger enforcement measures.
The authority said the notice served as a reminder of the importance of accountability on board vessels, with the master expected to exercise command authority and ensure that all persons under their responsibility observed proper discipline.
