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Poor situational awareness and decision making have been outlined as factors contributing to the stranding of Republic of Fiji Navy patrol boat RFNS Puamau on a reef earlier this year.
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The Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) leadership recently released the Board of inquiry findings for the grounding of the RFNS Puamau report regarding the Australian-donated Guardian Class patrol boat on 10 July.
RFNS Puamau reportedly became grounded on a reef while undertaking its maiden voyage with the Navy in adverse conditions, following handover under the Australian government’s Pacific Maritime Security Program.
It’s understood Australia sent specialised recovery equipment to Fiji to help free the vessel, minimise further damage and environmental impacts such as from an oil spill.
The patrol boat was later successfully recovered by the salvage tugboat Ratu Rabici, with support from RFNS Savenaca, navy divers, subject-matter experts and navy engineers. It was then towed to safe waters near Ogea Island for thorough damage assessment.
“The Republic of Fiji Military Forces has concluded the investigation conducted by the board of inquiry into the grounding of the RFMR Navy ship RFNS Puamau at Fulaga reef, Lau,” a public statement from the RFMF said regarding the matter.
“The thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident highlighted critical deficiencies in procedures and standards within the Fiji Navy’s maritime operations, particularly in navigation practices aboard the ship.
“The findings of BOI indicate significant breaches, negligence, non-adherence in the application of professional and accepted navigation practices and mariner skills.
“The BOI further highlighted non-compliance to accepted best bridge management processes by the commanding officer and his command team in the application of safety measures under such environmental conditions when in confined and hazardous waters close to Fulaga Island.
“Furthermore, the BOI highlighted that certain best mariner practices and processes associated with use of navigation equipment for situational awareness and decision making was neglected by the commanding officer and his bridge team.
“In response to the findings, the BOI has recommended several measures to address the identified deficiencies and enhance safety in future maritime operations.
“These recommendations include holding the commanding officer accountable for the ship’s grounding, ensuring comprehensive patrol briefings and navigational planning, implementing clear SSD procedures, providing all seaman officers with navigation books, enhancing situational awareness for commanding officers, and reviewing bridge procedures during entry into confined waters.
“The RFMF is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and safety within the Fiji Navy. By implementing the recommendations put forth by the BOI, we aim to prevent similar incidents and ensure the continued efficiency and effectiveness of our maritime operations.”
In other Fijian news, Deputy Commissar of the Chinese Navy Lieutenant General Cheng Jian recently made a courtesy visit to RFMF Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai at Strategic Headquarters in Berkley Crescent, Suva.
“Upon arrival, LTG Jian was honoured with a quarter guard and was welcomed by the CRFMF. The delegation also paid a visit to Deputy CRFMF Commodore Humphrey Tawake and conducted a brief visit to the Fiji Hydrographical Unit,” according to the RFMF.
