MN 12/2023 PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR THE APPROACHING TROPICAL DEPRESSION

/ Alerts & Notices, Cancelled Marine Notices
  1. All Ship Masters, Ship Owners & Ship Agents for foreign & local ships, Pilots, Port Management Companies/Operators, Marinas, and Yacht Clubs are advised of the adverse weather warning in the Fiji Group.
  2. Marine Weather Bulletin Issued from the National Weather Forecasting Centre, Nadi at 3:00 pm on Monday the 13th of November 2023:
    A Storm Warning is now in force for Yasawa and Mamanuca Groups, Western and NorthernViti Levu, while a Gale Warning is now in force for Rotuma, western Vanua Levu (Dreketi,Bua to Savusavu), eastern Viti Levu and Lomaiviti Group. This means that damaging cyclonerelated winds are imminent in these locations within the next 24 hours. A Storm Alert is in force for Southern Viti Levu, Vatulele, Kadavu and nearby smaller islands.

    Tropical depression, TDO2F, was located approximately 700km West-Northwest of Rotuma or around 1000km Northwest of Yasawa-i-rara at 3pm today. It is expected to strengthen into a tropical cyclone later this evening.

    For mariners and seafarers, expect gale force winds with speeds of 35 to 45 knots, gusting to 55 knots over Vatu-i-Ra Passage, Yasawa, Mamanuca, Kadavu Passage, Koro Seas and Northern Vanua Levu waters from tomorrow morning, which is likely to further increase to storm force winds with speeds of 50 knots and gusting to 70 knots from tomorrow afternoon.

    For the rest of Fiji waters, expect gale force winds with speeds of 35 to 45 knots, gusting to 55 knots from tomorrow afternoon. Seas are expected to be rough to very rough, becoming high to very high seas from tomorrow.
  3. Vessels of less than 15 meters in length must cease operation with effect from 14th November at 0700 am until further notice. Marine Clearances will not be issued during this period to these vessels.
  4. All other stakeholders are required to take necessary precautionary measures to always keep your ships/boats safe.
  5. All Masters are advised to implement their HEAVY WEATHER PROCEDURES and take early action and preventative measures to avoid any injuries to personnel and damages to property. Decisions combined with observance of good seamanship must be practiced ensuring the ship under their command is always made safe.
  6. Ship owners must provide all necessary support to masters of their ships to ensure the ship is kept safe.
  7. Small fishing and local Vessels anchored within the port boundary are to take extra precautions and batten down for heavy seas.
  8. Masters decision should not put the crew, vessel, and environment at risk.

This Notice cancels MN 11/2023.

CMDR JOWELI CAWAKI
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji
13th November 2023.

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