The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is enhancing its compliance and enforcement measures to ensure the safety of vessels and seafarers while also protecting the marine environment. Acting CEO Iliesa Batisaresare highlighted the importance of effective regulation in safeguarding lives, facilitating trade, and fostering resilience within Fiji’s maritime sector.
Given that Fiji heavily relies on shipping for transportation and trade, robust oversight becomes crucial. Batisaresare noted, “MSAF’s enforcement role ensures that vessels comply with environmental standards while monitoring and response capabilities, which help minimize environmental harm during incidents. By improving data collection and analysis, we support informed policy development and contribute to climate-resilient maritime transport initiatives.”
Central to MSAF’s mission are the principles of integrity, partnership, and community. Integrity cultivates trust and credibility, partnerships encourage collaboration for long-term safety, and community focus underscores that safety ultimately concerns people.
Operating under the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji Act 2009, the Maritime Transport Act 2013, and the Ship Registration Act 2013, MSAF has ratified 26 of 59 international maritime conventions, localizing them to meet international obligations while ensuring high safety and environmental standards.
With 12 operational stations nationwide, MSAF conducts vessel surveys, port inspections, and vessel clearances, while also overseeing the registration of vessels and seafarers. The Authority manages 99 lighthouses and light beacons, provides maritime training, and responds to oil spills and other forms of marine pollution.
Batisaresare stated that these measures are vital for keeping maritime transport safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible. MSAF collaborates closely with stakeholders through memorandums of understanding, joint operations, and specialized working groups to harmonize standards and disseminate critical information.
Guided by six strategic pillars—maritime safety, trade facilitation, environmental protection, operational efficiency, workforce development, and financial and policy resilience—MSAF carried out almost 60,000 vessel clearances last year while maintaining oversight of all navigational aids. The Authority is also concentrating on climate resilience, decarbonization, and the establishment of maritime greenhouse gas inventories to support data-driven planning and policies.
Batisaresare emphasized the importance of stakeholder partnerships and community engagement in effectively implementing policies. MSAF remains committed to safeguarding lives, ensuring compliance, and upholding Fiji’s credibility within the international maritime community, promising a secure and sustainable maritime future for all.