Two crew members from Goundar Shipping Limited have been dismissed after reporting for duty while under the influence of alcohol. Managing Director George Goundar highlighted this issue, stating that substance abuse at sea poses a significant safety threat for domestic vessel operators in Fiji.
During his testimony before the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, Goundar raised alarming concerns regarding the prevalence of alcohol and drug use among crew members. He called for enhanced enforcement measures and clearer legal protections for shipowners under the proposed Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill 2025. Goundar pointed out troubling instances of crew members found heavily intoxicated shortly after docking, with some requiring physical intervention to rouse them from their stupor.
He cautioned that such reckless behavior endangers passengers, cargo, and coastal communities, particularly as Fiji relies heavily on maritime transport for inter-island connectivity. Goundar noted that existing maritime and labor laws do not grant sufficient authority to shipowners to tackle drug and alcohol issues effectively, while enforcement agencies lack the necessary mandates to perform testing or impose penalties.
He recounted a specific instance where intoxicated senior crew members were permitted to sail despite concerns voiced by the shipowner, exemplifying the urgent need for reform in this area. Goundar expressed deep concern for safety, mentioning, “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 reaction to these issues raised, a representative from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) acknowledged the concerns brought forth during the hearing. MSAF stated that while international standards like the Maritime Labour Convention are still being finalized locally, Fiji already upholds specific safety standards, including regulations on hours of rest and the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping.
The conversation surrounding crew safety and substance abuse is crucial as it ensures the protection of maritime operations and public safety in Fiji’s extensive maritime transport sector. There is hope that the proposed legislative changes will bolster accountability and improve safety measures on vessels, creating a safer environment for both crew and passengers.