The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, recently announced that the Fiji Government is contemplating a new compensation scheme aimed at safeguarding passengers who are injured or lose their lives in boating accidents. Currently, under the Accident Compensation Act of 2017, only workers involved in boating incidents are covered by the Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF). Passengers and their dependents, on the other hand, must pursue compensation through civil court proceedings, which can be a daunting process.
To close this loophole, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is collaborating on a proposed third-party insurance scheme that would address losses at sea, providing coverage for passenger and crew injuries as well as damage to third-party property. Minister Singh stated that this initiative is in its initial stages and that MSAF is reviewing successful international models to inform the proposal.
In his address to Parliament, Singh mentioned that public consultations will be held nationwide to gather insights about the proposed framework, including funding methods, implementation timelines, and adherence to regulations. During these consultations, stakeholders such as vessel owners and operators, industry representatives, and coastal communities will be encouraged to provide feedback through written submissions and in-person forums.
Moreover, Minister Singh indicated that two essential legislations— the Accident Compensation (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Work Care Bill 2025— are being reviewed by the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. These amendments aim to keep the ACCF concentrated on motor vehicle accident claims while creating alternative compensation routes for maritime and other accidents that don’t involve vehicles.
This proactive approach reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the protective measures for individuals affected by boating incidents, with an ultimate goal of ensuring that all, including both injured workers and passengers, receive fair compensation when tragedies occur at sea.
The introduction of this insurance scheme and the impending legislative changes signal a hopeful development in addressing the gaps in passenger safety and healthcare compensation in Fiji, reinforcing the government’s dedication to creating a comprehensive support system for all individuals impacted by such accidents.