Compiled by RACHNA LAL and
RANOBA BAOA
Welcome to Hard Talk, where we pose questions to both top executives and budding entrepreneurs on some of the major issues involving business.
Competition is growing in our local shipping industry. Consumers are benefitting from competitive prices offers by the shipping companies.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji and the Consumer Council of Fiji is keeping a close eye on the shipping companies to ensure compliance in all aspects.
But finally the shipping companies are slowly coming together in a bid to strengthen the industry.
The Local Shipowners Association is revived in December after being inactive since 2010.
The idea to form an association arose from a consultative forum between the local shipowners and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.
But not all shipowners have joined and the executives are trying their best to get them on board.
Former Navy man, Captain Semi Koroilavesau was elected as the president for the association.
Questions for Local Shipowners Association president, Captain Semi Koroilavesau:
1. What are the possible immediate steps the executives would do to increase the association’s membership?
The association needs to put forward a strategic plan stating its vision mission and objectives. The association also needs to update its current Constitution to reflect its objectives. When members see these changes, they will witness that the association is well and active and I am confident that they will join.
2. Many boat owners may take the association lightly, but you and I both know that it is an important sector. Can you elaborate on the importance of the association?
There are new Regulations being introduced by Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) who will need assistance from us in the industry to ensure compliance.
Individually, it will be difficult for a ship owner to raise their concerns to the authorities. The Shipowners Association will raise these through proper channels and with proper procedures to guide and assist members.
It is very important that the local ship owners are united and have a single voice through the association.
It will be a very strong united voice and all stakeholders will take a more serious approach and hopefully support the association’s endeavours and work with the Regulators to improve this industry.
3. How critical is this association as far being the catalyst for change in the shipping industry?
The current Local Shipowners Association has been rationalised and is very serious about its objectives in regards to safety and sustainability of the industry in the long run. Safety is paramount and the responsibility of the ship owner. We need to work with all stakeholders including the Regulators.
4. What are some of the things you intend to do with your team this year?
The Executive Committee and the members have generally agreed in its last meeting to pursue the following issues as priority to the organisation:
l Put forward a strategic plan
l Rationalise the current Constitution to reflect the vision, mission and objectives of the association.
l Appoint a technical committee to look at all the grievances and concerns of the ship owners, find solutions and liaise with MSAF as the mediator.
l Put forward a working budget for 2014 and so on
l Set up a small office, have a permanent secretariat to take care of all the secretariat duties.
l Develop a website
5. Will you look at increasing membership fees which currently is $200?
The increase in membership fees will depend on the proposed budget which is also based on the proposed activities earmarked for the association for 2014 and the future.
6. How will the association deal with issues regarding fees and charges?
At the moment it is too early to comment on fees and charges and MSAF surveyors, we will comment if the need arises.
What the association intends to do is to work in partnership with MSAF, the Government and all the stake holders for the safety of passengers, cargo and the ship itself.
It is vitally important that all the stakeholders be aware that safety comes at a cost and users will finally have to pay. We have to operate safe ships but also be affordable to the travelling public.
7. Any other areas you would like to highlight?
New Regulations:
After this holiday season we will organise a presentation regarding the new regulations coming into place from March this year. We will invite all the ship owners to this forum to clarify any issues of concern and how we can facilitate the implementation of the new regulations.
The association will work with the shipowners for the benefit of all members and ultimately for the members of the public that we provide our services to.
We would like to work with Government through the Ministry of Transport and also other government departments to allow our members to serve people better.
Rates being regulated:
The association would like to see the routes being regulated and then comment. As an association we have not participated in the review process thus we will rely on information from our members that would be affected by the rates regulation process.
The association continues its membership drive and is expected to meet all its members in February.