WEATHER ADVISORY

MN 17/2020

1. All Ship Masters, Ship Owners & Ship Agents for foreign & local ships, Pilots, Port Management Companies/Operators, Marinas and Yacht Clubs of the adverse weather warning in the Fiji Group.
2. Marine Weather Bulletin Issued from the National Weather Forecasting Centre Nadi at 11:00am on Wednesday the 29th of April 2020 A strong wind warning remains in force for Lau waters, Koro Sea, Vatu-i-Ra and Kadavu passages and Southwest Viti Levu waters. Situation:
   A trough of low pressure with associated cloud and rain remains slow moving over the country. Meanwhile, a high pressure system to the far south of the group directs a fresh to strong east to southeast wind flow over Fiji waters. Forecast to midday tomorrow for Fiji waters:
   For Lau Waters, Koro Sea, Vatu-i-Ra and Kadavu Passages and Southwest Viti Levu Waters East to southeast winds 20 to 25 knots. Rough seas. Moderate southerly swells. Poor visibility in areas of heavy rain and squally thunderstorms. Further outlook: East to southeast winds 20 to 25 knots. Rough seas. Moderate southerly swells. Poor visibility in areas of heavy rain and thunderstorms. For the rest of Fiji Waters: East to southeast winds 15 to 20 knots. Moderate to rough seas. Moderate southerly swells. Poor visibility in areas of heavy showers and thunderstorms Further outlook: East to southeast winds 15 to 20 knots. Moderate to rough seas. Moderate southerly swells
3. All stakeholders are required to take necessary precautionary measures to keep your ships/boats safe at all times.
4. All Masters are advised to take early action and preventative measures based on good professional decision combined with observance of good seamanship practice to ensure the ship under their command is made safe.

5. Masters must listen to all marine weather bulletins and updates issued from the Fiji Meteorological Office (www .met.gov.fj) and transmitted through Suva Coast Radio Station (3DP) and the local radio stations.

6. Ship Master and Owners shall take all necessary to keep their ship safe at all times.
7. Ship owners must provide all necessary support to masters of their ships to ensure the ship is kept safe.