Executive Chairman and Members of the MSAF Board,
CEO, Managers and Staff of MSAF,
Bula Vinaka and a very good morning to you all.
It’s a pleasure to be here this morning to present the new MSAF uniforms to MSAF enforcement officers.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Uniforms are more than just clothing. It is an extension of a work culture, giving confidence to officers that they belong and are part of a team that serves a common purpose.
The uniforms you receive today give you identity as Marine Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) officers and marine officials.
When teams are proud of what they wear, it flows and enhances staff retention and ultimately customer experience. This is what we want MSAF to strive for – a well knitted team that works to deliver their best to Fijians.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Maritime and Shipping Industry is an important lifeline in Fiji, connecting our maritime islands to the main ports, towns and cities. The Industry is the key link to the movement of people, economic activities and cargo.
It is important that sea transport is regulated effectively and efficiently with safety being the paramount interest. Shipping has been described by the International Maritime Organisation as perhaps the most international of all the world’s great industries, and also one of the most dangerous.
The numerous safety features incorporated into modern ships did not come about by chance or simply by the foresight of the more diligent ship owners: they resulted from rules imposed by classification societies and flag states, or by legislation.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is why a maritime safety administration like MSAF is important in Fiji. The objective of a maritime safety administration is to provide the Government with the machinery to satisfactorily and efficiently undertake functions, which are embodied in the Maritime Transport legislations.
The main role of an administration like MSAF is to ensure that International Conventions, such as the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Convention on the protection of the marine environment like MARPOL and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) are embedded in our national legislations and enforced for safety of all those that rely on shipping.
I have been informed that MSAF has taken positive steps towards improving its services through re-engineering its processes such as improving its process turnaround time for certain transactions from 237 days to 14 days. MSAF is also currently working with its stakeholders on areas of mutual cooperation for information and resource sharing aimed at improving services and implementation of key projects in the areas of oil spills, navigational aids upgrade and ships tracking system.
Small initiatives like this support the Government plans in modernising the maritime sector requiring greater commitment to service delivery.
This is why MSAF is important – to ensure that maritime users meet all safety standards and its services are provided in an efficient manner that comply with regulatory requirements.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Safety, Compliance and Response Department of MSAF, whose uniforms I have issued this morning, play an essential role in enforcing our maritime laws and regulations. Clearance of vessels; verifying maritime documents; managing incidents; safe loading of cargoes and passengers. These are extremely important responsibilities and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
There are 26 enforcement officers across 12 ports of call around Fiji. The uniforms that I’ve handed you today, goes with the hope that it will assist you in carrying out your duties diligently and with pride. When you wear these uniforms, you’re not only improving the organisation’s image and visibility on the ground, you’re ensuring MSAF’s brand is at the forefront and it resonates with what it stands for to the public. So, I urge you, be honest and transparent in your roles. Take ownership and treat these uniforms as a badge of servitude.
Before I conclude, the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport will continue to carry its mandate of implementing policies and strategies that facilitate growth for industries in Fiji, including the Maritime and Shipping Industry. We are always available to provide the necessary advice and assist MSAF in ensuring that it effectively and efficiently implements strategies in line with the Government’s overall vision.
With that, I convey my best wishes to the Board and staff of MSAF.
Vinaka Vakalevu and Thank you.