The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is taking significant steps to enhance maritime safety and sustainability across the nation, according to Acting CEO Iliesa Batisaresare. MSAF has been proactive, conducting an impressive average of 1,460 vessel surveys annually and performing about ten port state inspections each month over the past five years.
In the year 2025, nearly 60,000 vessel clearances were processed along with approximately 7,000 checks, highlighting MSAF’s commitment to thorough regulation and enforcement in maritime operations. Batisaresare emphasized that regulation is crucial for ensuring maritime safety and maintaining high operational standards.
He pointed out the authority’s pivotal role in protecting marine and environmental integrity through pollution monitoring and response initiatives that ensure the maritime transport system remains safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible. Furthermore, Fiji benefits from around 99 lighthouses, many of which have been revitalized with assistance from various donors.
The authority is also dedicated to enforcing international maritime conventions ratified by Fiji, ensuring that global practices are integrated into national legislation. To date, Fiji has ratified 26 of the 59 conventions put forth by the International Maritime Organization.
Batisaresare underscored the importance of interagency collaboration, particularly in areas where enforcement presence is limited, to bolster maritime regulations. He added that MSAF is working towards promoting efficient and cleaner shipping practices by enhancing operational capabilities, providing training for personnel, and aligning with emerging low-carbon technologies and alternative fuels.
Recognizing the gaps in verified maritime activity, MSAF is focusing on improving data systems and developing a maritime greenhouse gas inventory, which will support future decarbonization efforts. With an eye on evolving challenges such as climate change, decarbonization, and increasing transport demand, the authority aims to ensure that Fiji’s maritime sector remains safe, credible, and resilient for years to come.
The efforts of MSAF signal a positive direction for maritime operations in Fiji, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and safety in an industry that is vital for the nation’s economy.