Solomon Islands Maritime Authority

Special (departure/arrival) Inspections of vessels

Schedule of departing/arriving domestic vessels

Click here to consult the domestic vessels schedule.

The domestic fleet in Solomon Islands cannot maintain the capacity required during peak periods, however, can provide the required services if people plan for their trips and make advanced arrangements with shipping companies.

Safety of passengers, crews and cargo is the priority. For your safety, special inspections are conducted by SIMA to verify crew members’ qualifications, number of passengers, loading of cargo and dangerous goods and various safety equipment. Please read the Circular 1-2024 on Maritime Safety.

CHARTERERS!

Please contact ship operators now to charter domestic ships, make advanced payments and plan for voyages from/to Honiara & Provinces.

Domestic ships have all a limited capacity in number of passengers and quantity of cargo.

 

PASSENGERS!

SIMA Vessel Inspectors are on board for your safety. Please do not interfere with their work.

Please do not board a vessel that is already at full capacity.

You put at risk your life and the life of those travelling with you.

For more information, please contact the shipping companies or SIMA at contact@sima.gov.sb or the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) active 24/7 at mrcc@solomon.com.sb.

A short video can be watched by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ni1DaRidOrY.

For more information please contact the shipping companies or SIMA at contact@sima.gov.sb or the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) active 24/7 at mrcc@solomon.com.sb.

SIMA invites all ship operators to display this poster about Safety for All at Sea 2024.

Prohibition of possession, consumption and carriage of drugs, illicit substances and other prohibited items on board vessels

The Circular 3-2026 Maritime Safety remind the public, passengers, master and crews, ship operators that the possession, consumption and carriage of drugs, illicit substances and other prohibited items on board domestic vessels is strictly prohibited.

Ship owner and masters are requested to display the below safety poster on board their vessel. It provides essential information and warning about possible search of luggage and cargo and action taken in case of breach of applicable laws.

Inspections of departing/arriving domestic vessels 

SIMA Vessel Inspection team carries out special inspections on board domestic vessels departing or arriving in ports of Solomon Islands to ensure safety requirements are fulfilled, specifically in relation to the qualification of the crew members, the number of passengers, the loading of cargo and the carriage of dangerous goods.

A special inspection report is completed by SIMA’s vessel inspector and signed by the captain or the person in charge of the vessel in presence of the Vessel Inspector and include:

  • Passenger Information
  • Cargo information
  • Crew members’ identity and qualification
  • Valid Vessel Safety Certificate
  • Valid Safe Manning Certificate
  • shipping routes and ports/places of loading/discharging
  • Verifications made on bridge equipment, fire fighting appliances, lifesaving appliances, fire and bilge systems, etc.

In some cases, a vessel not compliant to safety requirements will be detained and will not be authorised to leave until deficiencies have been rectified and verified by a SIMA Vessel Inspector. The list of vessels detained can be found at: Vessel Inspection & Surveying | (sima.gov.sb)