MARAIA VULA
suva
Having dialogues and sharing ideas to improve the standard of safety for Fijian registered ships was one of the key objectives of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji’s Stakeholder Draft Regulations Workshop.
The two-day workshop which has more than 10 marine experts participating got underway at the Holiday Inn Suva yesterday.
It was opened by the Minister for Works, Transport and Public Utilities Captain (Navy) Timoci Natuva.
Captain Natuva said: “This workshop is an opportunity for this group of maritime experts to come together to discuss and recommend improvements to the draft maritime regulations.
“This is to ensure it’s in line with our national, regional and international obligations under the various international maritime conventions Fiji has ratified. Also those that will be ratified in the near future.
“One of the key objectives is to improve dialogue and share ideas on how to improve the standard of safety for Fiji registered ships sailing in our waters or international voyages.
“Also for our qualified seafarers and for the protection of our vulnerable and pristine marine environment.”
Captain Natuva stressed it was government’s expectation the experts promote and support and comply with the new maritime legislations.
“The government believes that because of the outcomes of the extensive reviews and consultations with the public and stakeholders, there will be a reasonably high level of expectation of the industry’s voluntary compliance to the new legislation,” he said.
“I hope the outcome of the workshop will go a long way in enhancing maritime safety shipping standards and the protection of Fiji’s pristine marine environment.
Captain Natuva highlighted the participation of these experts at the forum was important because it utilises their expertise in their respective professions for the review of the draft marine regulations.
Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj