The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji has deferred the implementation of several impending legislation until January next year.

The deferment is to allow thorough vetting of the 35 requisite regulations by the Solicitor General’s Office with MSAF technical expertise.

The Maritime Transport Decree 2013, Shipping Registration Decree 2013 and its subsequent Draft Regulations will come into effect on January first next year.

The authority says its priority is to provide Fijians with maritime laws that ensure the highest standards of safety of lives at sea and protection of the marine environment.