Independent opposition MP Viliame Naupoto expressed concerns regarding the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji’s (MSAF) oversight of small boats that operate between islands. During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, he was responding to a statement from Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau. Naupoto highlighted designated crossing points from Vatulewa to Taveuni and various locations on Vanua Levu to Taveuni.
Naupoto emphasized that Fiji is required to adhere to various international conventions pertaining to maritime safety, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). He underscored the significance of MSAF in regulating local shipping to ensure safety.
Additionally, he pointed out MSAF’s crucial role in safeguarding yachts that enter Fijian waters. He referenced a recent incident where a small boat ran aground while children were swimming nearby. Naupoto criticized the decision to have the children enter the water to lighten the boat’s load and urged that a thorough investigation be conducted along with necessary remedial actions regarding safety compliance for small boats.
He noted that statistics for search and rescue operations often indicate that non-compliance with safety standards by small vessels is a primary reason for such incidents. For island communities, these boats are essential for travel between islands. Naupoto further emphasized the importance of navigational aids and the need for well-marked safe routes to prevent accidents.
Addressing the condition of navigational beacons, he remarked that many have lost their tops, creating risks for captains navigating through dangerous waters. With frequent cyclones in the region, he called for the rapid restoration of these crucial safety markers.
Naupoto also highlighted the necessity of increasing the number of MSAF enforcement officers to ensure adequate safety checks. He recalled a recent trip from Vatulewa to Taveuni in which no MSAF officers were present to verify the safety equipment on the boats, despite the passengers having life jackets. He concluded by calling for more enforcement personnel to be stationed at critical crossing points for small boats.