Although the Consultation focused on four key issues, a number of useful suggestions on how to improve sea safety in other areas were raised by participants. In order that these interventions not be lost and to enable them to be considered (where appropriate) during the development of national sea safety strategies, they are listed below.
The issue of communications was raised as an issue of significance on a number of occasions. The Consultation recognized the problems in some countries with radio communications, including the situation in remote communities and high cost of maintaining a network. In other places, communications are considered an essential part of reducing casualties, and minimizing search and rescue efforts.
Problems with outboard engines are one of the major causes of accidents in small fishing vessels. In view of this, there was general agreement that administrations should strive towards a mandatory requirement that at least one person on every outboard-powered vessel should at least have some form of certification of training on emergency outboard troubleshooting and maintenance. However, the consultation did not underestimate the complexities in ensuring the provision of training, certification and ensuring compliance with such a requirement, particularly in remote islands.
The Consultation recognized the importance of including a knowledge of weather as a part of seamanship skills within training or awareness on basic vessel safety. It was also appreciated that there is scope for improvement in weather forecast broadcasting, with particular reference to remote islands, regularity and comprehension of broadcasts, and the possibility of including sea safety messages as part of broadcasts.
The Consultation noted that many of the sea safety accidents in small vessels occurred when these boats were being used for transport purposes (passengers, freight). Small vessel safety regulations should therefore be formulated in consideration of these activities.
The Australian Pacific Patrol Boat Programme (PPB) is active is most Pacific Island countries. Recognizing that a significant amount of sea time of the PPB vessels is used in search and rescue operations for small fishing vessels (about half of all operating hours in Fiji), the possibility that the PPB programme may be interested in supporting sea safety improvements in the region should be explored. The meeting agreed to this procedure.
