Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority

25/03/2026

25/03/2026

UPDATE: VMSA has completed its investigation into an incident onboard MV NICON III, where the Captain and Supercargo assaulted a crew member over unsubstantiated allegations of ma*****na use while the vessel was docked at Luganville.

VMSA strongly condemns these actions and reminds all personnel that proper procedures must be followed, including reporting such matters to ship management and the Police.

The seafarers involved have been identified and will be given the opportunity to respond to discipline VMSA will take against them. VMSA also reiterates that the use of ma*****na and other drugs by seafarers is an offence under the Shipping Act and urges all seafarers to refrain of taking drugs and maintain discipline and good seamanship at all times.

21/03/2026

VMSA condem a video goes viral showing certain individuals harrassing another onboard a vessel. VMSA is investigating this matter now and if the individual are seafarers, VMSA will discipline and take action against those involved in the video. VMSA appeal to all Seafarers not to engaged in such behaviour. If anyone have information relating to the clip, please report to VMSA via this platform or call 114 or email [email protected]

11/03/2026

For the past 4 months, VMSA had work close with Vanuatu Ferry management and relavent authorities the decommissioned of VanFerry 1. Various option's been discussed including recycle of vessel, however option to sink is practical. On 10 March 2026, VMSA, Ports, Environment, Ocean Logistics and Vanferry team with final approval of Environment sunk the vessel 6 miles out of Pango point with a depth of 1000 meters. All inspections and clearance of vessel done before sinking. VMSA wish to thank service of Vanuatu Ferry to the People of Vanuatu and the Maritime sector for the past 10yrs.🙏🏻🙏🏻

18/02/2026

VMSA and its stakeholders has successfully completes a full day response training exercise on Oil Spill inside the Port Vila Harbour on 17 February 2026. VMSA wish to thank its stakeholders especially the Societe de Services Petroliers Vanuatu, Department of Ports and Harbor and Tanna Ferry Management and general public at site during the drill exercise. The training is to test the capabilities, systems, equipments, procedures and coordination of key stakeholders when responding to spills and the protection of the Marine Environment.

16/02/2026

Notice
Tuesday 17 February 2026, VMSA will undertake a Oil Spill Drill training with stakeholders at Port Vila Harbour. Office will close. Call 114 for emergency.

24/09/2025

VMSA would like to apologize to all its stakeholders on the postponement of the WMD celebration from tomorrow the 25th of September to Thursday the 2nd of October 2025. We will notify everyone with the revised program for the day and thus seek your patience and support 🙏

As we're approaching the World Maritime Day celebration which is celebrated every 25 of September.VMSA will be organizing activities to celebrate this day, thus watch this space for more updates.

The theme for this year is

Our ocean
Our obligation
Our opportunity

26/08/2025

Thank you Government for the People Republic of China for donating 6 brand new speed craft and Harbour Patrol boat to the People of the Republic of Vanuatu. The Prime Minister recieve the boat on behalf of the Government. These boats will use to support maritime activities in the six Provinces of Vanuatu. VMSA is part of the design and inception preparation of these boats together with Department of Ports and Harbour and today we witness the handing over. A big milestone for the country 🙌 👏 🙏🏻

19/08/2025

As we're approaching the World Maritime Day celebration which is celebrated every 25 of September.VMSA will be organizing activities to celebrate this day, thus watch this space for more updates.

The theme for this year is

Our ocean
Our obligation
Our opportunity

08/08/2025

The preparation for receiving of the Cruise Ship back to Port Vila has come into fruition as of today the 8th of August 2025. VMSA would like to acknowledge the Dept of Ports and Harbor for the cooperation thus far for the security Assessment and Security Plan implementation.

Vanuatu Maritime and Safety Authority (VMSA) has confirmed that all necessary work has been completed to allow cruise ships and tourist vessels to return to Port Vila.

An official program has also been released for the arrival of the first tourist vessel since the December 2024 earthquake.

VMSA stated that all preparations required for the safe return of cruise ships have been finalised ahead of the expected arrival on Friday, August 8.

🔗READ MORE: https://vbtc.vu/vmsa-confirms-cruise-ships-to-return-to-port-vila-this-friday/

03/08/2025

VMSA with the technical support of IMO and Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL) through the SMART C leaders project again hosted a National workshop to implement the CAP under IMSAS audit of 2017 for marine pollution preparedness and response from 28-31 of July this follows the workshop on Safety of Navigation in the 2nd week of July.
It was concluded with a marine spill drill and exercise with the Marine spill response equipment provided by SSP Vanuatu. This workshop also reaffirmed Vanuatu's commitment under OPRC conventions and emphasized the need to develop legislation related to the implementation of MARPOL and OPRC, procurement of essential marine spill response equipment, revision of Vanuatu Natplan to reflect international best practices and invest in training to ensure responders are competent and prepared for future incidents.

02/08/2025

With the resumption of Cruise Ship activities scheduled for this month August 2025, VMSA with the support of the SPC personnel has conducted a security Assessment on the temporary designated seafront areas. The Security Plan for the temporary landing area is on its final stage ready to receive Cruise Ship back into Port Vila.

The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA), with crucial technical support from the Pacific Community (SPC), has completed a formal security assessment of the Seafront Area in Port Vila. This brings Vanuatu closer to meeting maritime safety standards and aligns with international security frameworks, especially the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Read more: https://www.dailypost.vu/news/port-vila-s-seafront-area-nears-isps-compliance-after-security-assessment/article_40ae529e-95c7-594c-a294-17eedc27b1ab.html