AS inter-island travel and maritime activities increase this festive season, it is critical that people take extra care while travelling.
This was the message from the Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Minister, Ro Filipe Tuisawau to the public.
Ro Filipe emphasised that safety of life at sea remained a top priority for his Ministry.
He directed the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) to intensify its enforcement and monitoring throughout this peak travel period and to ensure compliance with maritime safety regulations.
Vessel operators were also reminded to strictly adhere to all safety requirements, including approved passenger capacity limits.
The Ministry urged the public to exercise ‘due diligence’ and ‘take necessary precautionary measures’ when traveling to maritime islands during this period.
Members of the public should not also exert undue pressure on MSAF officers and operators when capacity limits are reached, it said.
Minister Tuisawau encouraged everyone to celebrate responsibly and prioritise safety while enjoying the festive seasons with family and friends.
Last week MSAF officers closely monitored the ship MV Yavirau, which was bound for Lakeba, Nayau and Namuka.
MSAF ensured the vessel did not exceed its approved passenger capacity and that all safety requirements were met.
Similar monitoring was carried out for the Lomaiviti Princess VII that was bound for Rotuma and the Lady Daya that was bound for Kadavu.
The authority has thanked the travelling public for its cooperation.
Travellers waiting to board the MV Yavirau ship at Port Mua-i-Walu in Suva last week. Picture: MARITIME SAFETY AUTHORITY OF FIJI
