This Marine Notice draws the attention of vessel owners, operators, masters, officers, ratings, seafarer training organisations, pilots, and industry organisations to the need to correctly apply for certificates prior to expiry.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) acknowledges that there is a growing trend of requests for certificate renewal coinciding with or nearing the certificate’s expirations date. This is to inform all stakeholders that such applications will be dealt with within MSAF’s normal processes and timelines, and no exemption or dispensation will be issued for these late applications, except as provided for in our laws.
The submission of an application does not automatically guarantee the issuance of a certificate prior to the expiration date. It does not imply compliance; rather, it is a request subject to assessment based on receipt date and applicable regulations.
It is also important to note that, should an application be approved, that the validity period of the renewed certificates will commence on the expiration date of the previous one.
As certificate holders, your responsibilities include, but is not limited to, providing accurate and timely information in your application(s), maintaining honesty and fairness in all dealings, promptly reporting any changes to contact details and upfront payment of application fees. Our stakeholders are also reminded that it is imperative to treat our staff with courtesy and respect.
From MSAF, you can expect that your application will progress to the assessment stage upon completion. If it meets the requirements, it will be approved following our internal process and, in the order, received. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Certificate holders are notified that the turnaround time for applications is 14 days for an initial application to be assessed and 7 days for certificate renewal. Note that the assessment of your application may require verification of documents from other government entities and approval by the Minister of Transport. It is advisable to apply earlier to fulfill these requirements.
MSAF reminds companies and operators that valid certifications are required under the Safe Ship Management System and the Fiji Safe Ship Management Code. This code requires owners to have valid documents available onboard at all times. Masters need to ensure the vessel is both seaworthy and safely manned. Any non-compliance activates the penalties contained in the Maritime Transport Act and relevant Regulations.
Expired certificates noted by Enforcement and Compliance Officers will result in a ‘No Load’ Order on the ship. This is issued under the powers in Section 40 (1) (c) and (2) (c) of the Maritime Transport Act as highlighted below:
40 (1) The Chief Executive Officer may when necessary do all or any of the following—
(c)prohibit or impose conditions on the use or operation of any ship of a particular class, or the use of any maritime equipment of a particular class.
40 (2) The powers under subsection (1) may be exercised where the Chief Executive Officer believes on clear grounds that— (c) any maritime document required by maritime Regulations in respect of the ship or maritime equipment, has expired.
Operators will need to be aware of the above and adjust their schedule accordingly, including informing all ticketed passengers, the traveling public, and cargo owners in advance.
This Marine Notice cancels Marine Notice 1 of 2021.
For further information, please contact Mr Joseph Williame, Manager Qualifications & Licencing on Email: jwilliame@msaf.com.fj or on Telephone: 3315266 ext. 1119 or Mobile number: 7706303
CMDR JOWELI R CAWAKI
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
This Marine Notice draws the attention of vessel owners, operators, masters, officers, ratings, seafarer training organisations, pilots, and industry organisations to the need to correctly apply for certificates prior to expiry.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) acknowledges that there is a growing trend of requests for certificate renewal coinciding with or nearing the certificate’s expirations date. This is to inform all stakeholders that such applications will be dealt with within MSAF’s normal processes and timelines, and no exemption or dispensation will be issued for these late applications, except as provided for in our laws.
The submission of an application does not automatically guarantee the issuance of a certificate prior to the expiration date. It does not imply compliance; rather, it is a request subject to assessment based on receipt date and applicable regulations.
It is also important to note that, should an application be approved, that the validity period of the renewed certificates will commence on the expiration date of the previous one.
As certificate holders, your responsibilities include, but is not limited to, providing accurate and timely information in your application(s), maintaining honesty and fairness in all dealings, promptly reporting any changes to contact details and upfront payment of application fees. Our stakeholders are also reminded that it is imperative to treat our staff with courtesy and respect.
From MSAF, you can expect that your application will progress to the assessment stage upon completion. If it meets the requirements, it will be approved following our internal process and, in the order, received. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Certificate holders are notified that the turnaround time for applications is 14 days for an initial application to be assessed and 7 days for certificate renewal. Note that the assessment of your application may require verification of documents from other government entities and approval by the Minister of Transport. It is advisable to apply earlier to fulfill these requirements.
MSAF reminds companies and operators that valid certifications are required under the Safe Ship Management System and the Fiji Safe Ship Management Code. This code requires owners to have valid documents available onboard at all times. Masters need to ensure the vessel is both seaworthy and safely manned. Any non-compliance activates the penalties contained in the Maritime Transport Act and relevant Regulations.
Expired certificates noted by Enforcement and Compliance Officers will result in a ‘No Load’ Order on the ship. This is issued under the powers in Section 40 (1) (c) and (2) (c) of the Maritime Transport Act as highlighted below:
40 (1) The Chief Executive Officer may when necessary do all or any of the following—
(c)prohibit or impose conditions on the use or operation of any ship of a particular class, or the use of any maritime equipment of a particular class.
40 (2) The powers under subsection (1) may be exercised where the Chief Executive Officer believes on clear grounds that— (c) any maritime document required by maritime Regulations in respect of the ship or maritime equipment, has expired.
Operators will need to be aware of the above and adjust their schedule accordingly, including informing all ticketed passengers, the traveling public, and cargo owners in advance.
This Marine Notice cancels Marine Notice 1 of 2021.
For further information, please contact Mr Joseph Williame, Manager Qualifications & Licencing on Email: jwilliame@msaf.com.fj or on Telephone: 3315266 ext. 1119 or Mobile number: 7706303
CMDR JOWELI R CAWAKI
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji
7th February, 2024