Seafarers without qualified safety training warned to vacate ship
The Solomon Island maritime division is taking tough measures against seafarers who are working in inter-island vessels without any marine basic safety certificate (MBSC).
Those found without any qualification will be asked to vacate the boats.
Marine principal officer Kendol Boso made this strong reminder in an interview with the Solomon Star on Friday saying the marine division had noticed that many seafarers currently employed by shipping companies such as deck-hand are without the marine qualification.
He said the division would soon be conducting a massive inspection to every ships as part eliminating unqualified seafarers.
He explained the action is being taken following concerns raised by the public in relations to the qualification of many seafarers.
“I made this call since many people have raised complain regarding seafarers employed by shipping companies who lacks marine safety knowledge which is totally breaching the Marine Act. Therefore we are taking action against unqualified officers,” Mr Boso said.
The marine principal officer added the marine Act had clearly stated that mariners working on ships should make sure they have basic safety training to qualify them to work on ships.
“But most shipping owners and managers have failed to read through the marine laws.
“Today a lot of shipping managers and owners breached the marine law by employing people who does not have any marine qualification.
“Therefore I wish to inform shipping companies, managers and owners that my division would soon conduct a massive ship inspection to find out how many seafarers receive marine safety training.
“And those that lack this qualification would be removed or we would recommend them to go and get further marine training before they can qualify to work in ships,” Mr Boso said.
He added that its important for shipping operators to consult them first before recruiting people to work on their boats.
“This is to make sure the marine could advice you and that person who will be working on the ship about marine rules.”
He has issued a stern warning that those seafarers that are currently working without any marine basic certificate training to immediately vacate the ship they are working in and get further training.
“Its important that you get further training at the marine school to get your certificate to qualify you to board and work in any ship. Failure to do so would result in harsh penalties under the marine law,” Mr Boso said.
By DENVER NEWTER
