ENBPA prioritizes small craft and operations overload awareness

The East New Britain Provincial Administration, in collaboration with the National Maritime Safety Authority recently concluded a month-long awareness campaign on operations overload and implementation of the small craft act in the province.

The ENBPA under the Division of Finance and Revenue, has a small craft section headed by Small Craft Inspector Emmanel John, who confirmed that the registration of boat owners and their operator and crew, ended on January 3rd, 2026.

“We carried out this operation for 21 days and gave a chance for all boat owners and operators to come in and register,” he said.

Although many boat owners have complied, John acknowledged lingering frustrations.

While the initial registration period ended on December 24, authorities had extended a final grace period through to early January 2026.

“By January 3rd, if you don’t register, we will carry out enforcement and compliance," he said. "We are charging all boats without registration stickers, unlicensed operators, and unqualified crew."

He further urged the public to review fines for non-compliance, outlined in the Small Craft Act of 2011.

Overloading remains a major safety concern as John explained that each boat must adhere to a designated load line marked on the vessel’s side.

“When you overload the vessel, this triangle will indicate to inspectors. Now the fine is K5,000 if the boat is found to be overloaded,” he said.

On the issue of fare regulation, John acknowledged the complexities involved, saying the fares depend on the distance travelled and the price of the fuel.

“We are in discussions with the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission [ICCC] to standardize pricing."