Operation Safe Boat: Several Ships Detained

The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) has detained several ships in this year’s ‘Operation Safe Boat’, according to Agnes Kaute’e, the Deputy Director of SIMA.

Ms Kaute’e told SIBC News in an exclusive interview that the annual ‘operation safe boat’ by SIMA is purposely to ensure the safety of the travelling public during the festive season.

She said as the mandated organization for Maritime, they must ensure that all travelers are safe plus the ships and boats must also be safe.

“Safety at sea is the priority of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA),” Ms Kaute’e said.

She said while she will not mention the name and the number of ships detained, she assures the public that those ships are detained for the safety of the passengers and their properties.

“Ships or vessels detained during the festive season are because of failure to comply with SIMA’s safety regulations and most specifically the primary shipping act which clearly stipulates the standards that ship owners or masters must adhere to before departure to the islands,” Ms Kaute’e explained.

She in the meantime said the number of ships detained in this year’s ‘Operation Safe Boat’ is less compared to 2012 and 2022. Ms Kaute’e noted that ship owners and crews are beginning to understand the requirements and regulations and its importance which guides the operation of all vessels in the country.

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By Alex Dadamu