Independent opposition MP Viliame Naupoto expressed concerns about the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji’s (MSAF) oversight of small boats operating between islands. During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, he responded to a statement from the Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, regarding established crossing points between Vatulewa and Taveuni, as well as other routes connecting Vanua Levu to Taveuni.
Naupoto emphasized the obligation to adhere to various international conventions that fall under MSAF’s jurisdiction, 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 highlighted MSAF’s critical role in regulating local shipping to ensure safety standards are met.
The MP also noted MSAF’s importance in safeguarding yachts entering Fiji’s waters. He recalled a recent incident involving a small boat that grounded while children were swimming nearby, suggesting that attempts to lighten the vessel’s load led to dangerous circumstances. Naupoto urged that an investigation into this incident should have been conducted, along with necessary corrective measures to ensure small boats comply with safety regulations.
He pointed out that statistics indicate the majority of search and rescue operations stem from non-compliance among small vessels operating in Fiji’s waters, which are essential for inter-island travel. Additionally, he underlined the necessity of navigational aids to promote safe passage and prevent grounding incidents.
Naupoto emphasized the importance of properly marking sailing routes and maintaining navigational beacons, which can be damaged during cyclones, often leading to misdirection for vessels. He called for an increase in MSAF enforcement officers, citing a recent trip from Vatulewa to Taveuni where no officer was present to inspect the safety equipment of crossing boats. He suggested that enhancing the number of enforcement officers would ensure better safety checks at key crossing points for small vessels.