The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has identified several persistent issues in the operations of shipping vessels in Suva, particularly concerning Goundar Shipping Limited. These issues were discussed during a meeting between MSAF and other shipping companies at Walu Bay, Suva.

A significant concern raised by MSAF’s chief executive officer, Joweli Cawaki, is the abuse of office among staff at Goundar Shipping Ltd. Some employees have been caught selling tickets to their relatives and misappropriating payments. This malpractice contributes to incidents of passenger overloading during boarding times, an ongoing problem that MSAF is determined to tackle.

Cawaki expressed the challenge of maintaining trust with financial transactions, highlighting that public behavior also plays a role in these issues. He noted that customers sometimes miss their scheduled trips and opt to travel on different days, complicating the situation further.

While members of the public occasionally hold MSAF accountable for the seizure of overloaded vessels, Cawaki emphasized that ensuring safety across all vessels is a key part of their mandate. In response to the ongoing challenges, MSAF has plans to implement changes, including having an additional ship on standby to manage a high volume of passengers more effectively. For example, if a vessel traveling from Suva to destinations like Gau and Koro is overloaded, passengers may have to be off-loaded to a secondary vessel.

The commitment by MSAF to enforce compliance with maritime regulations is a positive step towards ensuring safer travel for passengers in Fiji. With these proactive measures, the organization aims to enhance the safety and reliability of maritime services in the region.

Additional Comment: Addressing these issues is crucial for the integrity of shipping operations and passenger safety. MSAF’s recognition of the problem and their strategies to implement changes reflect a commitment to maintaining maritime safety standards, which is vital for public trust and the well-being of travelers.