Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji to closely monitor boat builders

Chief Executive Officer for the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji Joweli Cawaki has confirmed that they will increase the inspections on boats from its primary stage which is the drawing till its final stages.

Cawaki says if the drawing does not meet the standards of the MSAF legislation they will reject the drawing.

He says with the recent tragic turn of events with boat operators claiming the lives of our people, they will come down hard on boat operators if protocols and procedures are not met by boat owners.

Cawaki has reminded the people that they are the registration agency of boats in Fiji and that people should not make their own boats and take them into deep waters.

Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji to closely monitor boat builders #fiji #maritimesafety

Chief Executive Officer for the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji Joweli Cawaki has confirmed that they will increase the inspections on boats from its primary stage which is the drawing… pic.twitter.com/udM3VrZqPX

— fijivillage (@fijivillage) January 11, 2024

He says this year they will work closely with boat builders.

He further reiterated that the safety of the people is paramount and will not tolerate people who continue to breach MSAF legislation.

Cawaki says boats need to be registered, surveyed, have an anchor, and also has to carry safety equipment’s like life jackets and flairs.

He says the boat master has to be qualified as well.

When questioned by fijivillage News on the status of their investigation on the Lomaloma boat incident he says the boat arrived yesterday.

Cawaki has reminded people to be vigilant while they are out at sea and to closely follow proper procedures.