By
Rebecca Gibson |
A forum organised by the IMO and held in Suva, Fiji, from 30 October to 2 November, has produced an Action Plan addressing the key concerns regarding domestic ferry safety in the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs).
The safety of domestic ferries has become increasingly important due to the recent losses of domestic ferries worldwide, such as the Rabaul Queen, which sank in Papua New Guinea in February 2012.
The Pacific Forum provided an opportunity for 45 participants from the public sector (administrators and policy makers) and private sector (ship owners, operators and maritime training institutions) to discuss current and emerging ferry safety concerns, with the intention of identifying practices to increase ferry safety in the Pacific region. In total, fifteen of the PICTs were represented at the forum.
Attendees discussed various issues connected to domestic ferry operation including: vessel-specific concerns; operations; safety programmes; legislative, regulatory and compliance concerns; seafarer training and certification; search and rescue and safety awareness activities. The forum also focused on regional, national and international concerns and trends in ferry operations and safety.
Participants agreed on an Action Plan which highlights the urgent need to develop and implement effective and sustainable domestic ferry safety policies, procedures and activities in the region. The plan indicates specific national solutions that can be applied by both the marine industry and the national Maritime Administrations responsible for domestic ferry safety in individual countries.