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MV Manu'atele cannot operate — It has no USCG certified engineer

This January 2017 Samoa News file photo shows ASG's multi-million-dollar MV Manu’atele arriving at the Pago Pago Harbor on its maiden voyage from the US.
fili@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — ASG's multi-million-dollar MV Manu’atele is not operating at this time, as it needs a US Coast Guard certified engineer, as the chief engineer, according to Port Administration director, Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele, responding to Samoa News questions.

The Department of Port Administration has advertised for the position since June this year, “but have not had a qualified applicant,” said Taimalelagi, who points out that the chief engineer who was on contract since January 2017 returned to the mainland on October 1.

“We are now working with a recruiting company off-island who may be referring a candidate for our review by this week,” the Port director explained.

Taimalelagi added that Port Administration is working closely with the local USCG to change the chief engineer to a non-licensed engineer, “but in doing so, we have to ensure that the safety of the vessel is not compromised/ reduced.”

According to the Port Administration advertisement, first published in Samoa News' June 5 edition, the candidate for the position must hold a valid US Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) as a chief engineer issued by the United States Coast Guard. It also outlines the mandatory requirements — such as a certified copy of the MMC license — to be submitted with the application.

The position is a contract for up to two years with a salary scale of $45,000 to $65,000. Benefits include round-trip airfare for the successful applicant including dependents (off-island applicants only); housing and medical.

Samoa News understands that one big issue faced by Port Administration in recruiting a USCG licensed engineer, is that persons showing interest want a salary level similar to that for the same position in the US — where it is much more than what Port Administration is offering.

With the lack of a licensed engineer, the Manu’atele is not operating at this time, and Port Administration continues to use the older vessel, the MV Sili.