In a move to empower boat operators in rural villages and maritime islands the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), will be working closely with the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to enforce its laws.

Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs Pita Tagicakirewa says, they will sign a potential Memorendum Of Understanding to enforce the legislation, in operating boats for transportation.

“We have not sign the MOU, we’re still discussing the MOU with MSAF, once we decide on the makeup of the MOU we will then take it through the process of the office of the solicitor general”, Tagicakirewa said.

The partnership will allow MSAF to consult through the Turaga ni Koro the need to enforce, obtain licenses, and conduct proper checks on boat’s safety, before operations.

“I think that there are penalties already in place, we will be focusing on the enforcement. This is where the Turaga ni Koro will come in”, he added.