15/07/2024
Re: The Recent Rescue Operation by PNG Ports and the Critical Need for Enhanced Maritime Safety!
The recent rescue operation conducted by the PNG Ports Pilotage team, which saved four individuals, including a nine-year-old girl, after their boat capsized off the coast of Salamaua in Morobe Province, underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures for small craft operators. This incident highlights the effectiveness of modern equipment and coordinated response efforts. However, it also exposes the glaring deficiencies in our current small craft safety systems, particularly the lack of adequate funding, oversight, and serious consideration by the National and Provincial Governments.
As the Registrar of the NCD Small Craft Registration Board, I am compelled to address these critical issues and challenge both the National Government and Provincial Governments for their continued neglect and underfunding of small craft safety. We must prioritize the safety of our waters and the lives of those who use them.
Key Issues and Recommendations:
1. Installation of Modern Technology Systems:
The absence of modern safety, monitoring, and tracking devices on small crafts significantly increases the risk of accidents and hampers rescue efforts.
Recommendation: Update the Small Craft Act 2011 to mandate the installation of state-of-the-art monitoring and tracking systems on all small crafts. This provision must include the necessary funding and resources to support the implementation of these technologies.
2. Increased Funding for Provincial Small Craft Registration Boards:
Provincial Small Craft Registration Boards are underfunded and lack the necessary resources to enforce safety regulations and conduct effective oversight.
3. Insurance Premiums or Policies:
The current Small Craft Act 2011 is silent on the issue of insurance premiums for small craft operators. This oversight leaves many operators without the necessary financial protection in case of accidents or incidents.
Recommendation (a): Amend the Small Craft Act 2011 to mandate the provision of subsidized insurance premiums or policies for small craft operators. This measure will require stakeholder involvement and collaboration to ensure feasibility and effectiveness.
Recommendation (b): Mandate provincial governments to increase funding for their respective Small Craft Registration Boards. This increase in funding will enable better enforcement of safety standards, more comprehensive training programs, and improved regulatory compliance.
The Small Craft Act 2011 was established to ensure the safety of persons using small craft in Papua New Guinea through a system of national and provincial regulation. The Act mandates standards for the construction, safety, equipping, operation, and registration of small crafts (Sections 3-5). These provisions must be robustly implemented and supported to protect lives and property on our waters.
The Role of NMSA and the Need for Stakeholder Collaboration:
While the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) is doing its best to reduce incidents and promote safety for small crafts nationwide, it is clear that more needs to be done. The responsibility for small craft safety does not rest with NMSA alone. Provincial governments, the private sector, and public institutions must collaborate to address the ongoing challenges and risks faced by small craft operators.
The NCD Small Craft Registration Board urges the National Government, Provincial Governments, NMSA, and all relevant stakeholders to take immediate and decisive action to enhance small craft safety. The recent rescue operation serves as a stark reminder of the risks at stake and the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures. We must prioritize the safety of our maritime community and ensure that small craft operators and passengers can navigate our waters with confidence and security.
Photo Sources: ports LinkedIn post.
