New Bill on Seafarer Welfare Sparks Concerns in Fiji’s Maritime Industry

The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is currently working with the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations to develop a legislative framework aimed at improving the welfare of seafarers. This initiative comes in response to a growing issue of seafarers leaving their shipping companies without proper notice, a trend that MSAF’s chief executive, Joweli Cawaki, highlights as a significant concern within the industry.

Cawaki pointed out that employees are increasingly abandoning their positions as soon as their ships dock, significantly impacting shipping companies and highlighting a lack of effective management over labor practices. He noted that shipping companies have begun to set their own terms and conditions, including employee pay rates, which varies greatly across different companies. For instance, while Interlink and Goundar pay seafarers during their time on board, South Sea Cruise pays them for a week’s duration that includes a day off.

The proposed Maritime Labour Bill is designed to facilitate better enforcement and monitoring of labor practices, a critical step toward ensuring fair treatment of seafarers. Cawaki expressed optimism regarding the progress of the draft, indicating that discussions would continue into the next year. Additionally, he mentioned that the investigation into the grounding of two Goundar ships from the previous month is nearly complete.

This legislative effort represents a significant step towards enhancing the welfare of seafarers, ensuring that their rights are protected, and improving the working conditions within Fiji’s maritime sector. By addressing these critical issues, there is hope that the industry can foster a more stable workforce, ultimately leading to better operational safety and efficiency.

In summary, the MSAF’s proactive approach to creating a Maritime Labour Bill reflects a commitment to improving working conditions for seafarers and addressing industry challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable and responsible maritime environment in Fiji.