Boat owners and operators in Vava’u, Ha’apai, and ‘Eua, are being urged to better equip themselves and their boats before heading out to sea, as part of a Tongan outreach Maritime Safety Campaign called "Be Ready, Be Safe."

The initiative is a timely reminder to seafarers after a fisherman was missing [2] for two days out at sea earlier this month in Ha’apai before his rescue after being spotted by an RNZAF Orion.

The outreach program, currently underway, is organised by the Ministry of Infrastructure’s Marine and Ports Division in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries and Tonga Police.

In Vava’u, the outreach team, including Tonga Police’s Search and Rescue team, visited Hunga, Ovaka, Noapapu, and Matamaka, and also met with district and town officers.

Ovaka Town Officer, Vaisima said he was happy with the initiative. “We have experienced personal tragedy at sea and welcome this program and the lessons.”

In Ha’apai, the team visited Lofanga, Kauvai, ‘Uiha, and Pangai. ‘Onesi Siulua from Lofanga said seafarers must prepare better. “We rely too much on our experience but we must learn to be more prepared, especially as we are not as sheltered here in Ha’apai and we brave the open seas to get to Pangai from our respective islands.”

In ‘Eua, the President of ‘Eua’s Fishing Association, ‘Afasa Loni said “we welcome this meeting as fishing is our livelihood”.

Meliame Tu’alau, Officer in Charge of Marine and Ports Division, said the Ministry initiated the outreach program because it recognises “that the oceans are like roads for most of our people in the outer islands”.

The program will conclude on 27 October at Vuna Wharf to celebrate Maritime Day with the international theme: "Connecting ships, ports and people."