Minister for Transport, Faiyaz Koya is urging to all seafarers, boat masters and people living in Pacific Harbour to take boat safety seriously, ensure their boats are surveyed and inspected regularly and that their boats meet the highest safety standard.
He made these comments during the opening of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji office in Pacific Harbour today.
He says the opening of this new office is the progression of government’s interest in ensuring that every seafarer living along the Lami to Serua corridor and all its surrounding islands can access their services without having to travel to Suva.
Koya says Pacific Harbour, which is the tourism hub of the Central Division, is surrounded by vast ocean and other water sources so it is important for every boat owner, master or ship operator to take safety seriously because accidents can occur within split seconds.
He adds that the opening of the new office means they are meeting the increasing demand and expectations of people and the maritime industry.
The Minister also highlighted that MSAF has taken step towards creating more eco-friendly offices with this being their first 20-foot container office with modern architectural design and open plan layout, specifically modified to fit the service they offer.
He says the government is still investing in initiatives that they know matter to Fijians and that is why this $20,000 project is more than an investment in an office space, it is an investment in the maritime sector and their service to Fijians.
