The Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority (VMSA) proudly defends its new VT23,000 banana boat fee, claiming it’s necessary to cover the “tiny” cost of search and rescue operations. According to Commissioner Less John Napauti, one rescue mission can run the government anywhere from VT5 million to VT10 million. So obviously, charging small boat owners thousands of vatu is the perfect solution.

Because why wouldn’t you charge subsistence farmers and island communities who rely on just a couple of boats to connect with the outside world?.

“It’s Just a Little Fee,” Says the Government

Originally set at VT17,000, the fee was bumped up by VT3,000 despite complaints from banana boat owners—especially in northern Vanuatu—who say it’s too expensive. But hey, what’s a few thousand vatu more when a rescue mission costs millions? Commissioner Napauti says the fee “supports those critical efforts” and hints it might be lowered next year. Because waiting for next year’s revisions will surely ease the burden for families who already struggle to make ends meet.

Boats Are Lifelines, Not Luxury Goods

For villages with no roads, like mine, banana boats are the only way to access markets, schools, and healthcare. We rely on just two boats to serve the whole community. Subsistence farmers barely scrape together enough for daily needs—throwing in a hefty fee for boats is just impossible. It’s not just unfair; it could threaten our entire way of life.

In Port Vila, we see a different picture. Taxi boats transport people to and from Ifira Island daily, generating reliable income. These boats operate as businesses and can afford to pay fees. Similarly, commercial fishing boats, which make regular income from selling their catch, may be able to absorb these costs.

But for those of us who fish only occasionally—mainly for subsistence—and use boats primarily for transport, these fees are like charging private vehicle owners the same fees as a public transport company. It’s illogical and unjust.

So What’s the Alternative?

Instead of squeezing money out of people who have almost none, why not:

• Subsidize life jackets and radios to prevent accidents in the first place?
• Run safety education programs to teach boat owners about weather, maintenance, and emergency preparedness?
• Enforce safety standards without punishing communities already doing their best?

These ideas actually reduce rescue costs and protect lives, without making poor families pay for something they can’t afford.

Let’s Put People Before Profit

Yes, search and rescue operations cost money. But charging banana boat owners a VT23,000 fee isn’t the answer—especially when those owners are struggling subsistence farmers. Instead of punishing the very people who depend on these boats, the government should look for smarter, fairer solutions that save lives and support communities.

Cover photo by Nabong David