FIMSA is a government department under the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation and is responsible for all maritime affairs in Fiji dealing with safety of ships, seafarers, protection of the marine environment and other maritime matters. It administers the implementation of IMO Convention SOLAS, STCW95, Tonnage, Fund 92, CLC, COLREGS, etc. and the Fiji Marine Act 1986.
FIMSA Divisions
Hydrographic
Regulation and Rulemaking
Seafarers & Assessment
Ship Inspection
Marine Pollution
Port State Control
Shipping Office
Hydrographic
The role of the Fiji Hydrographic Service is to improve navigational safety by surveying Fiji's Exclusive Economic Zone to modern day standards and improving nautical charting. It is also the focal point of contact to the International Hydrographic Organisation and the National Authority on Hydrographic matters with respect to nautical charting. Information provided by the service is utilized by Government Departments, the general public, mercantile marine and maritime managers.
Regulations and Rule Making
The Division acts as the enforcement unit providing checks on ships arriving and departing our local ports. Its staff are based around our main jetties, wharves throughout Fiji, monitoring shipping movements and conducting vessel checks. The Unit also provides support, improvements and advice on maritime legal matters for the Administration.
Seafarers & Assessment
The Division's main role is to conduct assessment and examination for seafarers (Deck and Engineering Officers) leading to the issuance of marine qualification to serve as masters, deck and engineering officers and ratings for our local and foreign going ships. It also confirms minimum manning requirements for our local registered ships.
The Unit also conducts audit and approval of maritime training providers to conduct maritime training programs/courses.
Ship Inspection
The division administers, supervises and coordinates regular inspection on all Fiji Registered ships ranging from RORO ferries, fishing vessels, inter-island ships, tourist boats and other form of commercial marine mode of transport. This serves as a means to ensure high standard of safety is maintained by vessels at all times. It attends to initial periodic survey on Fiji Flag vessels and conducts inspections with or on behalf of other Flag State or recognized Classification Societies.
Marine Pollution
The Unit oversees the preservation of our marine environment and it's protection, which includes Fiji waters, reefs, coastlines, beaches and seafront protection. Fiji's waterfront and its marine ecosystem are very fragile and its preservation is very important to Fiji. FIMSA sees that the protection of our coastal is paramount. The Unit provides environmental awareness inline with national, regional and international environmental agencies.
The Investigation Unit's main objective is to conduct investigation on maritime incidents and accidents involving Fiji registered ships or ships that encounter accident while in Fiji Waters. It serves as a means to improve safety for all those who work or travel by ships. The Investigation findings, which lead to recommendations, aimed at preventing future type of accidents.
Port State Control
Under the Asia/Pacific regional banner of the Tokyo MOU FIMSA ensures that ships entering our ports maintain high standards of safety complying to international standards. This is done by carrying out regular port state inspections on foreign ships visiting Suva and Lautoka, our main ports of entry.
Shipping Office
The Section administers and coordinates all documentation for ship surveys, ship registration, seafarers training and certification. Maintain a register of crew services and records of marine qualification. The section provides support staff to all Technical Officers in the administration and it facil