Independent opposition MP Viliame Naupoto expressed concerns about the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji’s (MSAF) oversight and enforcement regarding compliance for small boats traveling between islands. During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, he addressed a statement from Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau and highlighted designated crossing points from Vatulewa to Taveuni and various locations in Vanua Levu to Taveuni.
Naupoto emphasized that Fiji has international obligations related to maritime safety, which include adherence to 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 pointed out the critical role of MSAF in regulating local shipping to ensure safe travel.
He also noted the significance of MSAF in overseeing the safety of yachts entering Fijian waters. Naupoto recalled a recent incident where a small boat ran aground while children were swimming nearby, criticizing the decision to lighten the boat’s load by having the kids enter the water. He called for a thorough investigation of that incident and stressed the importance of ensuring small boats comply with safety regulations.
According to him, search and rescue operations are often necessitated by the non-compliance of small vessels traversing Fiji’s waters, which are vital for island travel. He highlighted the need for adequate navigational aids to guarantee route safety and prevent accidents.
Naupoto pointed out the deficiencies in navigational beacons, mentioning that the posts often indicate danger, but the crucial markers on top identifying safe passage are frequently missing. This gap could potentially lead to vessels running aground.
He further urged increasing the number of MSAF enforcement officers to enhance safety checks at crossing points. Sharing his experience from a trip with the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, he noted that no MSAF officer was present on the Vatulewa side to inspect safety gear, such as life jackets, on boats traveling across.
Overall, he stressed the urgent need for more MSAF personnel to ensure compliance and safety at these key boat crossings.