The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has identified significant loopholes in the operations of shipping vessels in Suva, particularly concerning Goundar Shipping Limited. These issues were highlighted during a recent meeting held at Walu Bay, attended by MSAF representatives and other shipping companies.
One of the main concerns raised by MSAF’s chief executive officer, Joweli Cawaki, revolves around the abuse of office within Goundar Shipping Ltd. Reports indicate that some staff members have been selling tickets to relatives while embezzling the payments, leading to instances of passenger overloading aboard vessels. Cawaki acknowledged this as a persistent problem that they are actively working to resolve. He pointed out the challenges in ensuring financial integrity among staff, stating, “It’s really hard to keep people who are trustworthy with money.”
Mr. Cawaki also noted that the public’s behavior contributes to the issue, as passengers sometimes alter their travel plans last minute, creating complications with passenger lists. While some individuals have expressed frustration towards MSAF when boats are seized due to overloading, Cawaki emphasized that enforcing safety regulations is a crucial part of their mandate.
To improve the situation, MSAF plans to introduce measures such as having an additional ship on standby to accommodate large numbers of passengers during peak travel times. For instance, if a boat traveling from Suva to Gau, Koro, Savusavu, and Taveuni becomes overloaded, passengers from Gau and Koro will be offloaded onto another vessel to ensure safety and compliance with travel regulations.
This initiative highlights MSAF’s commitment to improving maritime safety and service efficiency in Fiji, fostering a safer and more orderly travel experience for passengers.
In summary, while the challenges faced in managing shipping operations in Fiji are significant, the proactive steps being taken by MSAF signal a strong commitment to enhancing safety and reliability in maritime transport. The introduction of standby vessels, along with stricter regulation compliance, is a positive development for the industry and its passengers.
Leave a comment