Do the right thing, or we will close the bridge for your services.
This warning was issued by Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji CEO, Joeli Ratulevu Cawaki when questioned by fijivillage News.
He confirmed that a letter had been sent to the owner of Goundar Shipping Company regarding Captain Inoke’s vessel.
Cawaki is calling on George Goundar to provide several key documents regarding the vessel, a docking report from the vessel’s last dock, a hull thickness report, the most recent classification report from the society overseeing the vessel and approval for MSAF to conduct a sea trial to determine the vessel’s operational speed and establish a safe limit for its use in Fiji.
The CEO says a technical team has already visited the docking site to assess documentation and determine whether the vessel can safely operate in Fiji.
Cawaki also highlighted that this is the first high-speed craft of its kind to arrive in the country, capable of reaching speeds of 45 to 50 knots.
He says the vessel is currently not in operation, as it has not yet passed inspection or received certification from MSAF.
Cawaki emphasizes that the safety of travellers is paramount.
Goundar’s Shipping is yet to comment.
