28 Apr, 2021

MARITIME TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

The Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport (Ministry), in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and relevant maritime stakeholders, would like to reiterate and outline restrictions on inter-island shipping.

As announced by the Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, effective midday tomorrow, Thursday, 22 April 2021, all outbound inter-island passenger travel from Viti Levu will be suspended. While passengers can travel to Viti Levu, no one on Viti Levu can leave until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

For further queries and clarifications on inter-island shipping movement, please refer below:

1. SMALL CRAFTS AND YACHTS

Small crafts that intend to transport essential provisions between Viti Levu and closer islands are required to inform the Maritime Surveillance Centre (MSC) on 1539 (toll free) or email operations@mrscfiji.org on their travel intentions. The following information should be conveyed:

1. Name of Boat Captain
2. Name and Number of Crew iii. Cargo
3. Departure and Destination Point v. MSAF Issued Boat Number
4. Phone Contact

2. ALL FISHING RELATED ACTIVITIES

Fishing for subsistence and commercial purposes is allowed during the curfew hours, provided fishermen depart their respective home ports well-before curfew hours.

For any fishing related activities and clarifications, please contact Maritime Surveillance Centre (MSC) on 1539 (toll free) or email operations@mrscfiji.org.

3. RO-RO AND CONVENTIONAL VESSELS

For enquiries regarding any services provided by Ro-Ro and Conventional Vessels servicing of economical and uneconomical routes, please contact the Director of Transport – Ms. Faranisese Kinivuwai on +679 998 3245 or Senior Transport Planner – Ms Aseri Driu on +679 990 6244 or email transportunit.fj@gmail.com

Furthermore, the following steps must be taken by all shipping and truck companies:

1. Vessel Operators must allow designated commercial goods vehicles (only) with its drivers to board the vessel;
2. Vessel operators are to keep a register of details for all drivers who board the vessels, including contact details;
3. All drivers and vessel operators are to wear Personal Protective Equipment at all times.
4. Shipping operators are to discourage crew members from unnecessarily disembarking at ports and jetties and socialising at these points. A 2-metre physical distancing rule should apply.
5. For inter-island shipping, operators and crew are to offload cargo and freight at a designated location on the jetty or port with minimal contact.
6. Drivers can move with their vehicles and deliver in outlying island. However, drivers/ vehicles when disembarking the vessel must not at any time get out of the vehicle and must after delivery immediately, either return to the vessel or to a designated location awaiting the return trip.
7. Truckers and vessel operators are to ensure that proper precautionary measures are taken, including wearing of PPEs such as face masks, regular washing of hands, using hand sanitisers, and 2-meter social distancing.
8. Members of the public collecting freight are to collect from the designated point, practising social distancing. They are not to board the vessel under any circumstances.
9. All Turaga ni Koros are to liaise with the iTaukei Affairs for further information.

The Ministry emphasises the need for adherence to all health and hygiene protocols, including installing the careFIJI mobile application and keeping device Bluetooth turned on.