Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji chief executive, Neal Slacke (left) and Ministry of Works, Transport and Public Utilities Permanent Secretary, Commander Francis Kean, at a press conference at the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji. Photo: JUSTINE MANNAN
By MARAIA VULA
The commencement date of the Maritime Transport Decree 2013 and the Ship Registration Decree 2013 has been deferred to September.
This was confirmed yesterday by the Ministry of Works, Transport and Public Utilities Permanent Secretary, Commander Francis Kean, at a press conference at the Maritime Authority of Fiji.
Commander Kean said there were several reasons as to why the deferment occurred.
“A major reason was that we have received numerous requests from stakeholders to defer the commencement date for both the decrees because they needed more time to comply,” he said.
“Most of the stakeholders stated that March 5 was too early but with more discussions, the enforcement date is now rescheduled to September 5.”
Authority chief executive, Neal Slacke, said the feedback was overwhelming after the various consultations with stakeholders.
Commander Kean added: “We also need to complete 31 requisite regulations that are currently being drafted by the authority and undergoing vetting by the Office of the Solicitor General.
“This deferment will also enable the authority to consult more with stakeholders and mobilise their survey and awareness teams to take their services to the stakeholders.”
The authority for the past week carried out consultations with stakeholders in Rakiraki and Denarau while the next consultation is scheduled next week in Labasa, Savusavu and Suva as well.