Marine aid restoration
THE Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) is working closely with relevant agencies in restoring key aids to navigation devices as part of its restoration program for Fiji’s AtoN network.
In this regard, mariners who travel frequently to the Lomaiviti group can now navigate easily and safely around the Natubari passage. This after the restoration of a floating marine aid at the Natubari entrance in the Levuka Harbour.
The floating device was damaged during Tropical Cyclone Ana in February, 2021, when the cyclone caused significant damage to most navigation devices around Fiji.
Deployment of this navigation light buoy will significantly contribute to the safety of mariners particularly inter-island passenger ships, fishing boats/vessels, government ships, sailing yachts, naval ships and other ships, including the protection of Fiji’s pristine marine environment.
The marine aid to navigation will guide mariners in their approaches to the main port of entry and other berthing facilities in and around the Levuka Harbour in Ovalau.
A new low-maintenance polyethylene ocean navigation buoy with state-of-the-art self-contained solar LED marine lantern with proven operability was installed a week ago at Natubari Passage.
The project is another significant step by MSAF to progress Fiji’s aids to navigation system to better comply with the International Marine Aids to Navigation & Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) ‘Region A’ standard.
One of the main design objectives has been to develop a modern environmentally friendly
cable ship without compromising on vessel
capacities
– Cecon Contracting