Ferry passengers in Fiji are being urged to report any defects on vessels that may endanger their safety, according to Joeli Cawaki, CEO of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF). This announcement comes amid ongoing concerns about the maintenance of ships used for transportation, especially as the festive season approaches.
Cawaki emphasized the importance of immediate reporting of any issues directly to MSAF, enabling operators to swiftly address these problems and maintain safety for the public. He noted that passengers expect quality service when paying for fares, and their safety should always be the highest priority.
He indicated that vessels with a history of defects would be monitored closely during the busy travel period. Cawaki pointed out that each ship should have an effective safe ship management system in place, and its staff must prioritize passenger safety consistently.
When discussing how MSAF would respond to breaches of passenger capacity limits, he stated that vessels would be halted for an inquiry into the cause of the breach, with corrective actions taken before the vessel could operate again.
Acknowledging the financial burden of ship maintenance, he encouraged operators to perform regular upkeep to prevent significant failures. He also urged passengers to report any issues with seating quality or cleanliness, as these concerns have been frequently highlighted on social media platforms.
MSAF is dedicated to ensuring the hygiene of vessels and enforcing safety standards to provide a safe and pleasant experience for passengers. Cawaki also reminded operators to adhere to set shipping schedules to ensure reliability in passenger transport.
This initiative from MSAF marks a proactive step towards enhancing safety and maintaining high service standards in the ferry transport sector, creating a safer and more enjoyable travel experience for all passengers this festive season.
In summary, by encouraging passenger involvement in reporting safety concerns, the MSAF aims to foster a culture of accountability and vigilance that ultimately benefits everyone traveling by ferry.
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