The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) says Fiji continues to produce and certify a healthy number of qualified seafarers to meet the operational needs of the domestic maritime sector.
In a statement, MSAF acknowledges that some local shipping operators face challenges recruiting experienced senior officers. However, it says this issue is driven by market factors, such as competitive remuneration and working conditions, rather than an absolute shortage of certified Fijian personnel.
The Authority says national certification records show the overall number of certified seafarers continues to meet the operational requirements of the domestic maritime sector.
It says the primary challenge reported by operators is not a shortage of qualified personnel, but the immediate unavailability of experienced senior officers, such as senior masters and marine engineers with extensive command or senior operational experience.
MSAF says progressing from a newly qualified officer to an experienced senior master or chief engineer requires several years of practical sea service, mentorship, and operational experience.
The Authority says recruitment challenges are heavily influenced by market factors, including employee preferences regarding working environments, health and welfare benefits, and the highly competitive remuneration packages offered both locally and overseas.
MSAF says Fiji currently does not offer training programmes for the highest levels of certification, such as STCW Class 1 and Class 2 Certificates of Competency.
It says Fijian officers holding these senior qualifications typically obtain them overseas and are often attracted to international vessels offering broader career development opportunities and more competitive pay.
However, Fiji's current safe manning requirements for domestic shipping generally do not require Class 1 and Class 2 officers on most local vessels.
MSAF adds that it has received preliminary enquiries from some operators about the possible employment of foreign seafarers.
It says each request is assessed strictly on its merits to ensure full compliance with Fiji's maritime legislation, national employment policies, certification requirements, and government approval processes.
The Authority says its core priority remains promoting employment opportunities for qualified Fijian seafarers while ensuring vessels operate safely and in full compliance with international safety standards.
MSAF says that to sustainably support the domestic shipping sector, it is actively collaborating with approved maritime training institutions, industry stakeholders, and international partners to strengthen local education and certification pathways.
It says current strategic initiatives include reviewing and updating Fiji's STCW regulatory framework, upgrading local maritime training programmes from operational to senior levels, and partnering with donor organisations to improve infrastructure and equipment at national maritime training institutes to better meet modern industry needs.
MSAF says it remains fully committed to fostering a robust, highly skilled, and safe local maritime workforce that effectively serves the needs of Fiji's domestic shipping industry.
