The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has issued a one-week deadline for seafarers, shipowners, and vessel operators to ensure their medical fitness certificates are valid. Acting CEO Sereana Lalakobau announced that MSAF will conduct inspections to confirm that seafarers on Fiji-registered ships possess valid Certificates of Medical Fitness. These checks are designed to ensure that seafarers are medically fit to perform their duties safely, thereby protecting the welfare of vessels, crews, passengers, cargo, and the marine environment.
According to the Maritime Transport Act 2013 and the Maritime (STCW Convention) Regulations 2014, all applicable seafarers must hold valid medical fitness certificates and present them upon request by MSAF or vessel masters. This requirement also extends to fishers working on fishing vessels. Lalakobau emphasized that shipowners, operators, and masters must verify that all crew members have the appropriate certificates for their roles and operational areas.
Copies of these certificates should be maintained on board and made available during inspections by authorized MSAF officers. Seafarers without valid certificates may face regulatory action, while shipowners and operators could be held responsible for non-compliance with maritime laws. MSAF has announced that failure to comply may result in penalties, including vessel detention or document suspension. To facilitate compliance, MSAF has allowed a grace period until June 8 for maritime personnel to renew or obtain necessary medical fitness certificates. For further guidance, personnel are encouraged to contact MSAF’s Enforcement Compliance Office.
