NMSA clamp down on illegal ops - Papua New Guinea National Maritime Safety Authority

Eight of the eleven vessels inspected in West New Britain Province have been detained after a successful inspection conducted by the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA).

This inspection conducted early this month is part of NMSA’s efforts to clamp down on any ship owners and operators who knowingly operate unseaworthy vessels operating in remote log pods in the province where a lot of logging activities are being carried out. The Authority anticipates conducting similar field inspection trips to all maritime provinces to identify the exact number of vessels operating within the country and for compliance purposes.

The inspection was conducted by NMSA’s Kimbe based Officer-In-Charge, Daniel Binaip, and Manager-Investigation & Enforcement, Joseph Pyawan. The areas covered during the inspection were Kobe, Gloucester & Bialla. The Kandrian and Gasmata areas are yet to be inspected due to their distant location. However, these areas will still be covered during the dry season.

Three vessels were detained at Silivuti log pond, three at Silimate log pond whilst one each at Lasibu & Bialla areas respectively. Out of these eight, two tug boats detained at Silimate need to be further investigated since there are reports from the crew on board the two tugs saying that there was no physical radio inspection done on them before the Radio certificates were issued.

It was reported that several logging companies are operating in the province and are located in Bialla, Ulamona, Gasmata, Silivuti, Nud Point, Kandrian, Crocodile Point, and several other areas.

NMSA General Manager/CEO, Paul Unas said the recent operation in West New Britain should be a warning to all ship owners and operators who operate unseaworthy vessels, that NMSA will not hesitate to deal with them under the relevant laws of this country.

NMSA is mandated to ensure the safety of life at sea by enforcing national and International maritime Laws to promote the safety of maritime transport and ensure the best and safe shipping practice in the country.

In doing its mandated task NMSA’s dedicated inspectors in various field offices carry out regular inspections on ships to ensure compliance before the vessels are allowed to sail.

Ships are detained from time to time because of deficiencies that call for immediate rectification.

 Authorized By:                                                            
Paul M. Unas

General Manager/CEO