Tonga has introduced a nationwide boating safety initiative to reduce maritime accidents.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters launched the ‘Be Ready, Be Safe’ campaign during his visit to Tonga this week. The program, part of the Pacific Maritime Safety Programme (PMSP), aims to encourage small vessel registration and promote safety measures across Tonga’s islands.
Led by Tonga’s Marine and Ports Division and the Police Maritime Group, in collaboration with Maritime New Zealand, the initiative will distribute safety equipment and disseminate information through social media, posters, and billboards.
“From today, you will start to see our safety campaign on social media, posters, and billboards, reminding everyone on and around the water to: Be Ready, Be Safe,” the campaign announcement stated.
Maritime New Zealand has been delivering the PMSP in Tonga since 2011, focusing on preventing loss of life at sea. The programme supports changes in systems, attitudes, and safety culture to improve maritime safety across the Pacific.
