Ship safety checks under scrutiny amid hygiene concerns

Concerns over hygiene standards on ships have prompted scrutiny of the Maritime Safety Authority's (MSAF) licensing processes. Opposition MP Praveen Kumar raised questions before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Affairs, highlighting a potential gap in public health oversight. He noted that MSAF relies on the Health Ministry for crucial health assessments before approving ship licenses, suggesting this creates an accountability issue.

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MSAF cannot be solely responsible for issuing licences while relying on another agency to assess critical health requirements.

Kumar questioned the absence of MSAF's own health inspectors to regularly monitor sanitation onboard vessels. He argued that licensing should incorporate clear health conditions and robust checks to ensure ships meet public health standards. Tui Kilakila, MSAF Legal Team Member, assured the committee that sanitation and hygiene are considered during ship surveys and inspections. He stated MSAF only clears a vessel upon receiving certification from the Ministry of Health confirming compliance with sanitation, hygiene, and fumigation standards.

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We do support checks, but because the expertise observation is with the Ministry of Health, we are more on what we can see, what we can observe on the ships, but for actual testing expert observations, we rely more on the Ministry of Health, and we do encourage those support checks.

Assistant Minister for Sports Aliki Bia inquired about the regularity of hygiene inspections, suggesting MSAF establish its own health inspection capacity. Kumar supported this, believing dedicated health personnel within MSAF would enhance oversight. Kilakila indicated MSAF would consider the recommendation but emphasized the continued necessity of cooperation with the Ministry of Health. He added that MSAF aims to strengthen existing systems through tighter compliance, improved verification, and closer coordination with health officials.

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Having dedicated health personnel within MSAF would strengthen oversight and address concerns raised by the public.