The Fiji Government is taking significant steps to improve passenger safety and compensation related to boating accidents. Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, recently announced discussions surrounding a new compensation scheme designed to protect passengers who are injured or perish in boating incidents. Currently, the Accident Compensation Act of 2017 only provides coverage for workers involved in such incidents, leaving passengers and their dependents to navigate the daunting civil court process for compensation.
To address this gap, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is working on a proposed third-party insurance scheme aimed at covering not just injuries to passengers and crew, but also damages to third-party property as a result of boating accidents. Minister Singh emphasized that this initiative is still in its formative stage, with MSAF examining successful models from other countries to shape the proposal.
As part of the development process, the government plans to hold public consultations across the nation. These sessions are designed to gather valuable insights on various aspects of the proposed scheme, including funding options, implementation schedules, and regulatory compliance. Stakeholders, including vessel owners, operators, industry representatives, and coastal communities, will have the opportunity to contribute their views through both written submissions and in-person discussions.
In addition, Minister Singh pointed out that two critical pieces of legislation—the Accident Compensation (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Work Care Bill 2025—are under review by the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. These amendments aim to refocus the Accident Compensation Commission Fiji (ACCF) primarily on motor vehicle accident claims while establishing alternative compensation pathways for maritime and other non-vehicle-related incidents.
This proactive initiative illustrates the government’s commitment to enhancing protections for individuals affected by boating incidents. The proposed insurance scheme and legislative updates signify a promising step toward filling the existing gaps in passenger safety and compensation in Fiji. The hope is that these measures will create a more comprehensive support system for all individuals impacted by boating tragedies, ensuring fair compensation for both workers and passengers alike.