The Security Plan for the Ports of Suva and Lautoka for the next five years has been approved by the designated authority, the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.

Senior port facility security officer, Captain Jeke Vakararawa, said: “Fiji Ports Corporation is responsible for security at these ports of entry.

“Statement of compliance certificates for the ports of Suva and Lautoka have already been issued by MSAF, while Levuka certificate is expected shortly.

“Having certificates of compliance is essential for both the continuation of international trade and the cruise ship industry at our international ports of entry.”

Before the security plan could be approved, a security assessment of each port of entry took place, a rigorous scrutiny that revealed if there were any “gaps” in the existing security measures.

“Although there is a new five year statement of compliance, if new threat arises, the plan will be reviewed,” Captain Vakararawa said.

“There are those people who will try to circumvent any existing security measures.
“Any major development taking place at a port will affect the security measures that are in place.

“So security plans are regularly reviewed on an ongoing basis before the conclusion of the five year time frame.”
Having all staff properly trained is vital to the proper implementation of the security plan.
Captain Vakararawa has been conducting training for all Fiji Ports Corporation and Ports Terminal Limited staff as well as for the employees of the contractors supplying security services to Fiji Ports.