Ferry Owner In Fiji Dismisses 2 Crew Members After They Report To Duty Intoxicated
Goundar Shipping Limited dismissed 2 crew members after they came to work intoxicated.
The incident was brought to light by the company’s Managing Director, George Goundar, who said that substance abuse at sea is one of the most critical safety challenges facing domestic vessel operators.
He accused the crew of alcohol and drug abuse while calling for clearer legal protections for shipowners under the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill 2025, while making submissions before the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs.
He described that the crew members were found to be heavily intoxicated after the ships had docked, and others could not be woken without physical intervention.
He also argued that this behaviour places passengers, cargo and coastal communities at risk, especially given Fiji’s dependence on maritime transport for inter-island connectivity.
Goundar also argued that the maritime and labour laws provide authority for shipowners to address such cases, but enforcement agencies lack mandates to conduct the necessary tests or impose penalties.
He recalled an incident where an intoxicated crew of a senior rank was allowed to sail despite concerns raised by the shipowner.
A representative from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji acknowledged the concerns raised during the hearing.
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