Safety First: Passengers Urged to Report Ferry Defects

Ferry passengers in Fiji are being urged to report any safety defects observed on vessels. Joeli Cawaki, the chief executive officer of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), has made this appeal in light of ongoing concerns regarding the maintenance standards of some ships. It is especially critical during the busy festive season, as he emphasized that passengers deserve quality service and have every right to feel secure while traveling.

Cawaki highlighted the need for immediate reporting of issues directly to MSAF, which would enable swift action from operators to rectify any problems. He also mentioned that certain vessels with a known history of defects will be under closer scrutiny during this time.

To maintain safety, Cawaki stated that every vessel must operate under a safe ship management system, and crew members are responsible for ensuring passenger safety at all times. In response to inquiries about managing breaches of passenger capacity limits, he confirmed that vessels found exceeding these limits would be halted to determine the cause of the issue before they are allowed to resume operations.

Acknowledging the financial implications of maintaining ships, Cawaki encouraged operators to carry out regular maintenance to prevent significant issues from arising. Furthermore, he called on passengers to report any instances of inadequate seating or unsanitary conditions, which have been a source of complaints on social media.

MSAF is dedicated to ensuring vessel hygiene and enforcing compliance with safety standards to foster a healthy and comfortable travel environment. Cawaki also reminded operators of the importance of adhering to shipping schedules to ensure passengers are picked up and dropped off on time.

This proactive approach by the MSAF not only seeks to uphold safety standards but also aims to enhance the overall passenger experience. It is a reminder that passenger vigilance and operator accountability can significantly contribute to a safer and more pleasant traveling environment.

In summary, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji is taking important steps to ensure ferry safety through passenger reporting and increased oversight of vessel maintenance during the festive season, fostering a safer future for all commuters.