Pivotal week for Pacific Maritime Safety and Gender Equality

Suva

This week, maritime professionals from across the Pacific are gathering in Nadi, Fiji, for a series of meetings to further the full and equitable participation of Pacific Island countries in upholding and implementing international maritime law, particularly Safety of Life at Sea.  

These interrelated events offer the opportunity to collaboratively influence the future of maritime safety, inclusivity and cooperation in the Pacific. From October 28 to November 1, 2024, three key events will bring together regional experts to tackle distinct maritime challenges faced by the region while capitalizing on opportunities for advancement and development. 

The events include: 

4th Pacific Domestic Ship Safety Forum (DSSF): With the theme “Collaborating for Domestic Ship Safety in the Blue Pacific”, this forum will focus on advancing safety standards for domestic vessels across the Pacific. 

Consultative Meeting for the Development of the Regional Strategy for Pacific Women in Maritime 2025-2030: A crucial initiative to achieve gender equality and empower women to foster a more inclusive and resilient maritime sector. 

Meeting of the Pacific Search and Rescue (PACSAR) Steering Committee: To foster and advance regional coordination and effectiveness in search and rescue operations. 

These events are supported by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the UK Government and the Pacific Community (SPC). Representatives from Pacific Island ountries (PICs), regional partners, and global maritime bodies are uniting to create safer and more inclusive maritime operations for the Pacific. 

Jens Krueger, SPC Geoscience, Energy and Maritime Division's Deputy Director Ocean and Maritime, on Pacific Maritime Safety, reiterated, “Maritime safety is everyone’s responsibility, from maritime administrations and ship operators to training institutions and seafarers. Whether you’re setting standards, enforcing policies, or operating vessels, your role is crucial in ensuring the safety of lives at sea.”  

Funded by IMO and MFAT, the 4th DSSF aims to build on the progress made at the last forum in 2018, focussing on addressing ongoing safety challenges to ensure domestic vessels operate safely across the region. 

 “The IMO is committed to supporting the Pacific's efforts to enhance domestic ship safety, in line with international regulations, including the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), and IMO instruments,” said Mr. Vincent Job, Senior Deputy Director, Subdivision for Maritime Development, Technical Cooperation and Implementation Division, IMO.

He added, “We commend the proactive approach taken by Pacific Island States in addressing safety challenges and developing tailored solutions that reflect the unique circumstances of the region. The outcomes of this forum will undoubtedly strengthen national and regional efforts to improve safety standards and save lives.”  

“The IMO, through its Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP), is committed to supporting the enhancement of SAR services in the Pacific region. Collaboration and shared responsibility are key in this endeavour, and the Steering Committee’s work continues to set a strong example of regional unity and effective maritime governance,” said Mr Job.  

In his opening address, David Weinstein, Senior Adviser for MFAT, said, “New Zealand has been a leader in supporting Pacific states on maritime safety since the early 2010s. The New Zealand Aid Programme has supported local maritime administrations and private and public domestic passenger shipping operators through assistance with hydrographic survey (sea mapping and maritime charts), safe ship management systems, and direct support through the New Zealand regulatory agency Maritime New Zealand.”   

He added, “We are proud to be able to continue our work of the Pacific Maritime Safety Programme (PMSP), which targets community safety education, regulatory training, vessel and boat safety, and emergency preparedness and response (Search and Rescue and oil spill preparedness and response)“ 

Empowering Women in Maritime 

The consultative meeting on the development of the Regional Strategy for Pacific Women in Maritime 2025-2030 is a key moment in promoting gender equity within the sector. With support from the UK Government as part of its renewed mission to support full and equal participation of women and girls in all elements of Pacific governance and security, this initiative is designed to empower Pacific women to take on leadership roles in maritime development. 

SPC

Over the course of the week, participants will review the current strategy, celebrate achievements, and lay the foundation for a bold vision for the next five years. Representatives from national Women in Maritime Associations (WIMAs) will come together to share their experiences, address challenges, and strengthen their networks. 

Reflecting on the work done so far to advance the effective participation of women in Maritime, Meliame Tu’alau, Chairperson of PacWIMA, said, “This is not just about inclusion—it’s about leadership. Women are taking on key roles in maritime, and with this strategy, we’re ensuring they have the support they need to advocate and advance women’s participation in the maritime sector.” 

Josh Kemp, Counsellor at the British High Commission Suva and Head of the UK Integrated Security Fund (UKISF) Programme in the Pacific highlighted,“Like many Pacific countries, the UK is a maritime nation, with seafarers working across many sectors. Across cargo, fishing, safety and security sectors, the numbers of women at all levels are increasing. We need to do more – diverse leadership and participation lead to better outcomes – and I look forward to exchanging ideas with the WIMAs of the Pacific  to make this happen.” 

Strengthening Regional Search and Rescue 

The PACSAR Steering Committee meeting will focus on improving coordination and efficiency in search and rescue operations across the Pacific. Building on the 9th Regional Workshop held in Cairns, Australia, the Steering Committee will discuss new technologies and strategies to enhance collaboration among Pacific Island nations and international partners, setting the stage for the 10th PACSAR meeting, which will take place in Fiji in 2025. 

Looking Ahead  

As the week continues, the shared commitment to collaboration and progress will guide discussions. The outcomes from these meetings will help shape the future of Pacific maritime operations, ensuring a safer, more inclusive, and resilient sector for years to come. 
 

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Geoscience, Energy and Maritime
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Geoscience, Energy and Maritime
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safety
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New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
United Kingdom
International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
safety
Maritime security
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)
United Kingdom
International Maritime Organisation (IMO)