The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has identified several persistent issues affecting the operations of shipping vessels in Suva, particularly within Goundar Shipping Limited. These findings were discussed during a meeting held yesterday morning at Walu Bay, Suva, involving MSAF and other shipping companies.
One notable issue highlighted by MSAF’s chief executive officer, Joweli Cawaki, is the alleged abuse of office by certain staff members at Goundar Shipping Ltd. Reports indicate that some employees have been selling tickets to family members and misappropriating the funds. This misconduct is contributing to the problem of passenger overloading during boarding, which MSAF is actively trying to address.
Cawaki emphasized the challenge of finding trustworthy individuals to handle financial transactions, while also noting that public behavior plays a role in these challenges. He explained that when passengers miss their trips, they may opt to reschedule without regard for the overall capacity of the vessels, leading to elongated passenger lists.
While the public sometimes holds MSAF accountable for seizing boats due to overloading, Cawaki reiterated the authority’s commitment to ensuring safety standards are met across all vessels. To improve the situation, MSAF plans to implement new measures, including having an additional ship on standby to accommodate excess passengers on popular routes. For instance, if a vessel traveling from Suva to destinations like Gau or Koro is found to be overloaded, they will offload some passengers onto another boat to ensure safe transport.
In summary, MSAF is taking proactive steps to address systemic issues within the shipping industry in Fiji, particularly regarding compliance with safety regulations and the management of ticket sales. This initiative not only prioritizes the safety of passengers but also aims to enhance the integrity of operations within shipping companies.
As the authorities move forward with these changes, there is hope that the collaboration between MSAF and shipping companies will lead to a safer, more efficient maritime transportation system for the people of Fiji.
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