The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) has detained the tugboat Kioloa in Port Vila after discovering that the vessel and its crew do not meet the required maritime regulations and safety standards.

VMSA confirmed this week that both the captain and crew of Kioloa lack the necessary qualifications to operate a marine vessel and must return to the Vanuatu Maritime College for revalidation to rectify their certification.

The Kioloa was one of two tugboats required to assist large vessels, including cruise liners and container ships, in navigating Port Vila Harbour. With only one tugboat currently in service, VMSA warns that it may not be sufficient to meet port operation demands, potentially affecting the entry of large ships and the unloading of cargo.

VBTC News reached out to the Ports and Harbour Authority for comment, but no official response was received by the time of publication.