Police and MSAF unite for mariners

The Fiji Police Force and the Marine Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF)signed an agreement today in Suva to strengthen the monitoring and safety of mariners.

While signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Police Commissioner Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua said the signing also strengthens the common interest of the two bodies which is to protect and uphold law.

"Even though there are no resources available, we must start somewhere," he said.

“The signing should not be just seens as a piece of paper."

He said there are areas and possibility that will drive the signing into action.

MSAF chief executive Neale Slack said there are many relationships that were just verbal without any move further.

He said the relationship with the Fiji Police will be a good exposure for the authority.

He added there will also be a need for a cross-training for both parties.

Naivalurua said they will work on enforcing the law for mariners, assist mariners in outer islands and also monitor safety compliance in Fiji Waters.

He said Fiji should focus on issues like oil spills and other things that are happening in overseas waters for early prevention.

“By the time it reaches us, we are well prepared.”

He continued that in this way we will not regret later on.

Meanwhile, MSAF will decentralise its service around Fiji and latyer touch the regional level.

By Ropate Valemei