Some pacific islands countries are following suit, regional to address issues
RANOBA BAOA
SUVA
Fiji has taken the lead role in the South Pacific to address aritime safety and security measures in order to be on par with international standards.
This was the comment from International Maritime Organisation technical officer under the Marine Safety Division (MSD), Sascha Pristrom.
With Fiji building its reputation to become the hub of the South Pacific region in terms of shipping, Mr Pistrom said.
“It shows a good example for other states that have not become IMO members yet and they would want to follow the good example that Fiji set.
Fiji vital hub
“What I understand is that Fiji is playing a lead role in the South Pacific when it comes to maritime safety and security because it has one of the biggest ports and it’s a vital hub.”
Mr Pristrom’s comments came to light during the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji in partnership with IMO’ three-day Fiji National Maritime Security Workshop.
The workshop started yesterday and is being held at the Secretariat of Pacific Community in Nabua.
The workshop consists of maritime stakeholders,businesses, operations involved in the industry.
With Fiji already agreeing to host the regional workshop on maritime security, yet to be confirmed,
Mr Pistrom said, it was important to set standards and maintain them at all levels.
“As far as security and safety is concerned we (IMO much like other agencies) set the minimum standards.
We have to ensure that IMO members and those who want to become members meet these standards,” he said.
“The workshop, therefore, will try to identify where the gaps are and we (IMO) will tell them (stakeholders) what they have to do.
“Based on the feedback we take up and either address them at the regional workshop.if can’t be covered here or we will do it on a bilateral agreement or international cooperation.”
The workshop ends tomorrow.
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