The shortage of seafarers for foreign going vessels in the country is a concern.

Maritime Safety Authority Licensing Manager Captain Tomasi Kete says the number of seafarers in the country cannot cater for the demands from the shipping industry.

Captain Kete says the sector greatly contributes to the economy and this needs to be addressed.

“Even though we are targeting the higher market, but very few are there and it’s sad that the Swire company they came and asking for 50 sea farers and we don’t have it, sad that we don’t have it even though the unemployment rate for youth is high.”

Transport Minister Jone Usamate says he has received reports from local shipping companies regarding the issue.

He adds this should not be a problem because Fiji has a particular institution that provides courses for sea farers.

“We have training institutions, we have academy, Capt Tomu here knows about the academy I think he use to work there, but we have a great academy that is supposed to be producing the people that is required.”

He adds the ministry is working on enhancing the industry by reviewing its payroll system, the safety of the workers to help meet the demands of the sector.

The maritime sector currently has 200 seafarers of which 91 are women.