The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is taking crucial measures to improve maritime safety and sustainability throughout the country, as stated by Acting CEO Iliesa Batisaresare. Over the past five years, MSAF has been proactively conducting an impressive average of 1,460 vessel surveys annually, along with approximately ten port state inspections each month.
In 2025, MSAF processed nearly 60,000 vessel clearances and completed around 7,000 inspections, underscoring the authority’s commitment to thorough regulation and enforcement within maritime operations. Batisaresare highlighted that robust regulation is vital for ensuring safety at sea and upholding high operational standards.
The authority emphasizes its essential role in safeguarding marine and environmental integrity through pollution monitoring and response initiatives, ensuring that the maritime transport system remains safe, reliable, and eco-friendly. Fiji is supported by approximately 99 lighthouses, many of which have received revitalization aid from various donors.
MSAF is also focused on upholding international maritime conventions ratified by Fiji, integrating global best practices into national legislation. To date, the country has ratified 26 out of the 59 conventions proposed by the International Maritime Organization.
Interagency collaboration is another key point emphasized by Batisaresare, particularly in regions where enforcement presence is minimal, to strengthen maritime regulations. MSAF is promoting efficient and cleaner shipping practices by enhancing operational capabilities, providing personnel training, and embracing emerging low-carbon technologies and alternative fuels.
Additionally, MSAF recognizes the need for verified maritime activity and is focused on improving data systems and developing a maritime greenhouse gas inventory to support future decarbonization initiatives. By addressing the challenges posed by climate change, increasing transport demand, and the need for decarbonization, the authority aims to ensure that Fiji’s maritime sector remains credible, safe, and resilient in the years to come.
These efforts illustrate a promising trajectory for maritime operations in Fiji, showcasing a dedication to sustainability and safety within an industry crucial for the nation’s economic vitality.