Two crew members from Goundar Shipping Limited have been dismissed after reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol, a move that has sparked significant discussion about substance abuse in the maritime industry. Managing Director George Goundar stressed that such behavior poses a grave safety threat to domestic vessel operators in Fiji.
During a recent testimony before the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, Goundar highlighted alarming trends regarding alcohol and drug use among maritime crew members. He called for stiffer enforcement measures and clearer legal protections for shipowners through the forthcoming Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill 2025. Goundar shared troubling anecdotes, noting that crew members have been found heavily intoxicated shortly after docking, sometimes requiring physical intervention to awaken them.
He warned that this reckless behavior jeopardizes the safety of passengers, cargo, and coastal communities, particularly given Fiji’s reliance on maritime transport for inter-island connectivity. Goundar pointed out that current maritime and labor regulations do not provide sufficient authority for shipowners to effectively address drug and alcohol issues, while enforcement agencies lack the necessary mechanisms for testing and imposing penalties.
A stark example Goundar provided illustrated the urgency of reform: senior crew members who were intoxicated were allowed to set sail despite the shipowner’s concerns. He expressed his deep worries for safety, stating, “It’s a brotherhood in seamanship, but the public doesn’t understand that. Sometimes I’m scared to sleep at night, not knowing when I’ll get a phone call at two or three in the morning telling me my vessel is on the reef.”
In response to these pressing issues, a representative from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) acknowledged the concerns that were raised during the hearing. MSAF noted that although local adherence to international standards like the Maritime Labour Convention is still being finalized, Fiji does uphold certain safety standards, including regulations on rest hours and the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping.
As discussions about crew safety and substance abuse continue, the focus remains on ensuring the protection of maritime operations and public safety within Fiji’s extensive maritime transport sector. There is hope that the proposed legislative amendments will enhance accountability and safety measures on vessels, fostering a more secure environment for both crew and passengers.