Fiji Ports Corporation Limited is urgently advocating for reforms in vessel boarding procedures and enhanced oversight of quarantine officers across the nation’s ports. Manager Legal Vani Filipe expressed these concerns before the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, highlighting the inconsistencies that currently exist between ports. For example, while officers board ships within the boundaries in Lautoka, in Suva they conduct inspections 27 miles out at pilot stations. This variance has created confusion among pilots and port staff, limiting overall efficiency.
Filipe emphasized the detrimental impact of the limited boarding window from 6 AM to 6 PM, which often leads to delays and disrupts the workflow at the ports. She pointed out the necessity for improved coordination among various authorities operating within the port, including biosecurity, customs, and health ministry regulatory frameworks established under the Quarantine Act.
Supported by the recently enacted Quarantine Amendment Act 2025, which modernizes existing laws and clarifies definitions, Filipe noted that shifting the appointment of quarantine officers to the Permanent Secretary of Health could enhance administrative efficiency. The corporation proposed the establishment of a national register for quarantine officers that would document their qualifications and training. Such a move aims to ensure that boarding personnel are adequately trained, recognized, and in compliance with international security codes.
Additionally, Filipe raised concerns about ambiguous legal definitions in Section 7 of the Act, warning that this broad language could unintentionally implicate port staff merely performing their duties. She advocated for clearer definitions to mitigate potential legal conflicts and maintain operational effectiveness.
Fiji Ports articulated the need to harmonize multiple regulatory frameworks, including the Seaports Management Act, Biosecurity regulations, and the Quarantine Act, to improve operational clarity and reduce delays. Filipe underscored that standardized procedures and transparency are vital for smooth operations, risk reduction, and maintaining international competitiveness.
The recent calls for reform come in response to a broader context within Fiji’s maritime sector, which has been under scrutiny due to safety concerns and compliance issues. For instance, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has initiated comprehensive reforms to address operational challenges and enhance safety regulations across the industry. These ongoing reforms present an optimistic outlook for Fiji’s maritime operations, fostering a commitment to safety, compliance, and efficiency. As the nation strives to be a leading maritime hub in the Pacific, these proposed changes by Fiji Ports Corporation are crucial in achieving that vision.