The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) conducted a significant meeting with the U.S. Coast Guard last week, focusing on the International Port Security (IPS) Program. The discussions centered on the exchange of best practices in maritime and port security, emphasizing vital areas such as governance, threat response, security assessments, drills, and contemporary issues like cybersecurity.
MSAF expressed its enthusiasm for the collaboration, reiterating its commitment to bolstering maritime security in line with global standards. This meeting is particularly crucial as it precedes an audit scheduled for February 2026, and the two parties have already confirmed training sessions set for mid-2026.
As a gesture of goodwill, the U.S. Coast Guard team presented a gift to MSAF’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Iliesa Batisaresare, highlighting the strength of their ongoing partnership. The cooperation between the two organizations underscores a mutual goal of enhancing security measures, ensuring safer maritime operations for Fiji and reflecting a proactive approach towards evolving challenges in the maritime landscape.