The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is in the process of creating a new Bill in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, aimed at enhancing the welfare of seafarers. This initiative comes in response to increasing concerns regarding the phenomenon of seafarers jumping ship without prior notice. MSAF’s Chief Executive Officer, Joweli Cawaki, highlighted that shipping companies currently have significant control over employment conditions, including wages.
Mr. Cawaki noted the troubling trend where crew members abandon their posts immediately upon reaching the wharf, a situation he claims is now prevalent across all shipping companies. The proposed Maritime Labour Bill seeks to establish a framework for better enforcement and monitoring of seafarer welfare by both MSAF and the Ministry.
He mentioned that the drafting of the Bill is ongoing, with expectations to progress further into 2024. Additionally, he contrasted payment practices among companies, stating that while Interlink and Goundar compensate their crews based on the duration they are onboard, other companies like South Sea Cruise offer a fixed payment that includes a day-off.
Ongoing discussions to address these issues are complemented by Mr. Cawaki’s assurance that the investigation into the grounding of two Goundar vessels from the previous month will be finalized soon.
This initiative reflects a positive step towards enhancing labor ethics within the maritime industry in Fiji, ensuring fair treatment and proper compensation for seafarers. Ultimately, this can lead to improved job satisfaction and retention among maritime workers, contributing to the overall effectiveness and safety of shipping operations in the region.
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