The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is enhancing its compliance and enforcement efforts to ensure that vessels and seafarers operate safely while also protecting the marine environment. Acting CEO Iliesa Batisaresare highlighted that effective regulatory measures are essential not only for safeguarding lives but also for supporting trade and building resilience within Fiji’s vital maritime sector.
Fiji’s reliance on shipping for transportation and trade underscores the importance of robust oversight. Batisaresare stated, “MSAF’s enforcement role ensures that vessels comply with environmental standards while monitoring and response capabilities, which help minimize environmental harm when incidents occur. By improving data collection and analysis, MSAF supports informed policy development and contributes to climate-resilient maritime transport initiatives.”
Central to MSAF’s mission are the principles of integrity, partnership, and community. Integrity fosters trust and credibility, partnerships facilitate collaboration for long-term safety, and community focus emphasizes that safety ultimately pertains to people.
The Authority operates under the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji Act 2009, the Maritime Transport Act 2013, and the Ship Registration Act 2013. Currently, Fiji has ratified 26 out of 59 international maritime conventions, adapting them locally to fulfill global obligations while upholding rigorous safety and environmental standards.
With 12 stations across the nation, MSAF conducts vessel surveys, port inspections, and vessel registrations, while also managing an extensive network of 99 lighthouses and light beacons. The Authority plays a critical role in delivering maritime training and responding to oil spills and other forms of marine pollution.
Batisaresare emphasized that these initiatives help ensure that maritime transport remains safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible. Additionally, MSAF collaborates closely with various stakeholders through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), joint operations, and specialized working groups to harmonize standards and share vital information.
Guided by six strategic pillars, MSAF addresses maritime safety, trade facilitation, environmental protection, operational efficiency, workforce development, and financial and policy resilience. Last year, the Authority successfully conducted nearly 60,000 vessel clearances while maintaining oversight of all navigational aids.
A key focus for MSAF moving forward includes climate resilience and decarbonization efforts, along with the development of maritime greenhouse gas inventories to foster evidence-based planning and policies. Batisaresare underscored that stakeholder partnership and community engagement are crucial for the effective implementation of these policies.
Through its ongoing dedication to safeguarding lives, ensuring compliance, and maintaining Fiji’s credibility in the international maritime community, MSAF strives to build a safer and more sustainable maritime environment.
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