Ship operator breached MSAF mandate for the last 7 years

Safety at sea is paramount for those in living in maritime areas and another ship operator is in the spotlight for not following the Maritime Safety Authority Of Fiji dry dock requirements for the last seven years.

The Chief Executive Officer for MSAF Joseph Wiliame says the finding in their investigation shows the vessel was not complying with its regulations of dry dock requirements and hence been issued with the suspension notice.

Wiliame highlighted that further discussions on the investigation revealed more defects in the boat which resulted from the breaching of the MSAF dry dock regulation.

MSAF confirms that one defect was found in the azipod and the other in the two main engines.

He says the ship operator has to follow the MSAF mandate safety at sea and take the ship on dry dock before they can resume their services and carry passengers.

When questioned by fijivillage News if there are discussions with other ship operators to provide services because people in Kadavu have been affected in terms of their livelihood and income, Wiliame says negotiations are underway with other stakeholders.

We have sought comments from the vessel operator.