Port state control officers from Fiji’s Maritime Safety Authority (MSAF) are taking part in a week-long training under the Tokyo Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Mission in Suva. The program runs from August 11 to August 15 and is a partnership between MSAF and the Tokyo MOU Secretariat, featuring two trainers from the China Maritime Safety Administration, Zhao Liang and Lai Guoliang.
MSAF Chief Executive Officer Joweli Cawaki underscored the vital role these officers play in enforcing international conventions and upholding the integrity of global trade, not only in Fiji but across the wider Pacific region. Trainees will gain knowledge on the relevant conventions, inspection procedures, detention protocols and harmonised practices under the Tokyo MOU framework, with insights from experienced Chinese instructors.
The Tokyo MOU is an active regional port state control body comprising 22 member authorities in the Asia-Pacific region. Its objective is to establish an effective port state control regime through cooperation and harmonisation of activities, with a focus on eliminating sub-standard shipping, promoting maritime safety, protecting the marine environment, and safeguarding working and living conditions on board ships. Fiji’s status as a MSAF member aligns with these regional aims.
This training complements Fiji’s broader regional capacity-building efforts. It follows ongoing initiatives such as IMO-backed training in marine casualty investigations held in Nadi for Pacific nations earlier this year, and the Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2024 between MSAF and the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) to enhance technical cooperation and safety standards across the Pacific. The combination of PSC-focused training, regional cooperation agreements, and international expertise reinforces Fiji’s commitment to safer maritime operations as the region approaches heightened maritime activity during the cyclone season.
Context and value: The week-long Suva training highlights Fiji’s proactive stance on maritime governance, strengthening enforcement capabilities and harmonising practices with international standards. This aligns with ongoing regional collaborations that aim to improve safety, environmental protection and compliance across Pacific waters.
Summary: Fiji is advancing maritime safety and environmental stewardship through international collaboration, with MSAF officers receiving Tokyo MOU–led training in Suva and drawing on expertise from China, while building on existing regional agreements and IMO-led capacity-building efforts. A positive step toward resilient, safer maritime operations in the Pacific.
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