Fiji Ports Corporation is advocating for increased accountability and enhanced oversight of quarantine officers throughout the country’s ports, highlighting significant safety risks and inconsistent practices. Manager Legal Vani Filipe addressed the Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, stating that the establishment of a national register is urgently needed to monitor the qualifications, training, and appointments of these officers. This register would ensure that only certified and properly trained personnel are permitted to board incoming vessels.
Filipe expressed concerns over poor oversight, which she claimed has resulted in officers boarding ships without the necessary gear or proper clearance, thereby jeopardizing the safety of crews, port employees, and national biosecurity. “At the time being, there is streamlining happening with our quarantine officers, and we need to have some comfort that our officers are qualified and well equipped to board vessels,” she emphasized.
Inconsistencies in practices were also noted, with officers boarding ships at different locations under varying conditions. For example, Lautoka’s officers operate within port limits, while those in Suva do so 27 miles offshore. Fiji Ports Harbour Master Laisiasa Gonewai reiterated the need to eliminate high-sea vessel clearances, describing the current procedures as unsafe and outdated. He pointed out that international standards suggest that officers should board vessels only after they are securely docked, a stance that aligns with calls for modernization within Fiji’s maritime sector.
Efforts to reform and modernize the clearance system may have broader implications for not just compliance with international standards, but also the revitalization of public confidence in Fiji’s maritime industry. The emphasis on enhancing safety and consistency demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing existing challenges and promoting a more efficient operational environment. As Fiji navigates these complexities, there is hope that reforms will lead to improved maritime operations, protecting both workers and the environment while bolstering the economy through enhanced trade and tourism initiatives.