RSIPF to assist SIMSA monitor boats and vessels

Police will assist Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMSA) monitor boats and vessels for over loading as voters travel to provinces to cast their ballots in the National General Election (NGE) on 3 April 2019.

“To avoid incidents at sea the general public in Solomon Islands who will travel to the provinces to cast their votes are urged to start organising themselves as police are observing boats and vessels for overloading of passengers and cargoes” says Assistant Commissioner Mostyn Mangau of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

He says: “This is a safety message for boat owners and vessel Masters to ensure passengers and their vessels' safety is guaranteed when travelling at sea.”

He adds: “Overloaded boats and vessels that are found by police will not be allowed to leave port or continue their journey unless they reduce their load in compliance with section 22 of the Shipping Act."

AC Mangau also appeals to the general public across the country to work together with the police and SIMSA by reporting overloaded boats and vessels to the following phone contacts:

21609 or 27685 or Toll free 977 of SIMSA; and

Police 23666 or Toll Free 999.