1.This Marine Notice serves to remind all shipowners, operators and relevant maritime personnel of the critical importance of strict adherence to the mandated use of approved and updated navigational aids onboard ships in accordance with Fiji’s maritime safety Legislations.
2.Recent marine incident reports have highlighted concerns regarding the continuous use of unapproved and outdated navigational aids onboard our flagged ships.
3.As per Paragraph 13 of the Maritime (Fiji Maritime Code) Regulations 2014, the owner and master of a ship shall ensure that approved and updated scales of Navigation and Miscellaneous Equipment including updated charts and nautical publications required for their class of ship as prescribed in Part 3 of the said Paragraph are always provided on the ship and are kept in good working condition.
4.Furthermore, Regulation 10 and 12 of the Maritime (STCW Convention) Regulations 2014 states that the owner and master of a ship must each ensure that as far as practicable all seafarers employed on the ship are familiar with their specific duties and with all ship arrangements, installations, equipment, procedures and ship characteristics relevant to their routine or emergency duties. Additionally, a seafarer assigned to a ship to which these Regulations apply must take full advantage of every opportunity provided to become familiar with the shipboard equipment, operating procedures, and other arrangements needed for the proper performance of his or her duties.
5.Failure to comply to the above provisions would lead to regulatory penalties as per the applicable Fiji’s maritime Laws and Regulations.
6.For any clarification, please contact the Manager Ships Inspection, Captain Sesoni Komaisoso on Telephone +679 3315266 Ext 1127 or Email: skomaisoso@msaf.com.fj
ILIESA BATISARESARE
ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji
09 March 2026