Fiji ship grounding investigation finds ‘serious deficiencies’

RFNS Puamau was commissioned last month with support from Australia’s Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP) and the Vuvale Partnership.
photo: Facebook / Fiji News and Sports

‘Serious flaws’ found Investigation into the grounding of a Fiji Navy vessel.

Default RFNS The vessel was commissioned in May with support from Australia’s Pacific Maritime Safety Program (PMSP) and Vuvale partners.

The ship was conducting a two-week patrol exercise when it struck Fulaga Reef on Tuesday, June 11..

The military said in a statement that it had concluded its Board of Inquiry (BOI) probe into the grounding.

“A thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the incident highlighted serious deficiencies in the Fijian Navy’s maritime operating procedures and standards, particularly with regard to shipboard navigation practices,” the statement said.

The findings of the inquiry committee indicated “serious irregularities, negligence and non-compliance in the application of professional and accepted navigational practices and seamanship skills”.

They also found issues with the conduct of the commander and his command team – “failure to adhere to recognized best bridge management procedures when applying safety measures in environmental conditions such as the narrow and hazardous waters near Fulaga Island” and “the commander and his bridge team disregarded certain best mariner practices and procedures related to the use of navigational aids for situational awareness and decision making.”

The Board made a number of recommendations based on its findings.

These include holding the commanding officer accountable for ship groundings; ensuring comprehensive patrol briefings and sailing plans; providing navigation books to all seafarers; and reviewing bridge procedures when entering confined waters.

The Republic of Fiji Military Forces said it is committed to maintaining the highest professional and safety standards in the Fiji Navy.

“By implementing the recommendations made by the BOI, we aim to prevent similar incidents from happening again and ensure our offshore operations continue to be efficient and effective.”