FIMSA
is a government department under the Ministry of Transport
and Civil Aviation and is responsible for all maritime affairs
in Fiji dealing with safety of ships, seafarers, protection
of the marine environment and other maritime matters. It administers
the implementation of IMO Convention SOLAS, STCW95, Tonnage,
Fund 92, CLC, COLREGS, etc. and the Fiji Marine Act 1986.
FIMSA
Divisions
Hydrographic
Regulation and Rulemaking
Seafarers & Assessment
Ship Inspection
Marine Pollution
Port State Control
Shipping Office
Hydrographic
The
role of the Fiji Hydrographic Service is to improve navigational
safety by surveying Fiji's Exclusive Economic Zone to modern
day standards and improving nautical charting. It is also
the focal point of contact to the International Hydrographic
Organisation and the National Authority on Hydrographic
matters with respect to nautical charting. Information provided
by the service is utilized by Government Departments, the
general public, mercantile marine and maritime managers.
Regulations
and Rule Making
The
Division acts as the enforcement unit providing checks on
ships arriving and departing our local ports. Its staff
are based around our main jetties, wharves throughout Fiji,
monitoring shipping movements and conducting vessel checks.
The Unit also provides support, improvements and advice
on maritime legal matters for the Administration.
Seafarers
& Assessment
The
Division's main role is to conduct assessment and examination
for seafarers (Deck and Engineering Officers) leading to
the issuance of marine qualification to serve as masters,
deck and engineering officers and ratings for our local
and foreign going ships. It also confirms minimum manning
requirements for our local registered ships.
The Unit also conducts audit and approval of maritime training
providers to conduct maritime training programs/courses.
Ship
Inspection
The
division administers, supervises and coordinates regular
inspection on all Fiji Registered ships ranging from RORO
ferries, fishing vessels, inter-island ships, tourist boats
and other form of commercial marine mode of transport. This
serves as a means to ensure high standard of safety is maintained
by vessels at all times. It attends to initial periodic
survey on Fiji Flag vessels and conducts inspections with
or on behalf of other Flag State or recognized Classification
Societies.
Marine
Pollution
The
Unit oversees the preservation of our marine environment
and it's protection, which includes Fiji waters, reefs,
coastlines, beaches and seafront protection. Fiji's waterfront
and its marine ecosystem are very fragile and its preservation
is very important to Fiji. FIMSA sees that the protection
of our coastal is paramount. The Unit provides environmental
awareness inline with national, regional and international
environmental agencies.
The Investigation
Unit's main objective is to conduct investigation on maritime
incidents and accidents involving Fiji registered ships or
ships that encounter accident while in Fiji Waters. It serves
as a means to improve safety for all those who work or travel
by ships. The Investigation findings, which lead to recommendations,
aimed at preventing future type of accidents.
Port
State Control
Under
the Asia/Pacific regional banner of the Tokyo MOU FIMSA
ensures that ships entering our ports maintain high standards
of safety complying to international standards. This is
done by carrying out regular port state inspections on foreign
ships visiting Suva and Lautoka, our main ports of entry.
Shipping
Office
The
Section administers and coordinates all documentation for
ship surveys, ship registration, seafarers training and
certification. Maintain a register of crew services and
records of marine qualification. The section provides support
staff to all Technical Officers in the administration and
it facilitates the Fiji Marine Board administrative role.
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