THE Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) has warned ship operators against overloading their vessels to ensure the safety of their passengers.
In an interview with Solomon Star, Manager Shipping Operation & Safety Shipping Operation & Safety Department of SIMA, Jonah Mitau said SIMA will not hesitate to investigate vessel operators who overload their vessels with passengers.
“SIMA will not hesitate to carry our investigation of vessel and operators of overloading when facts are presented,” he warned.
Mr Mitau said the measures that SIMA takes to address the issue of overcrowding vessels is to ensure safety and all ship owners have a responsibility to strictly comply with these measures.
He cited the MV Taimareho tragedy as an example of non-compliance with marine safety requirements that vessel owners should bear in mind.
“SIMA’s message is same from the many workshops it conducted for ship operators in the last two years. Masters and shipowners do not overload your vessels, but load vessels only to the passenger-carrying capacity stated in Vessels Safety Certificate,” he added.
Mr Mitau urged passengers to refrain from boarding a vessel that loads passengers beyond its passenger-carrying capacity.
During the festive season trips to the provinces, some vessels were loaded beyond the permitted loading capacity.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
Photo caption. The Solomon Ports wharves at Point Cruz are always busy during the festive season. Photo courtesy of Solomon Ports.
