INTERNATIONALSEABEDMINERALMANAGEMENTDECREE2013

(DECREENO.21OF2013)
SECTION

PART1PRELIMINARY

Shorttitleandcommencement
Interpretation
Objectives
Jurisdiction
PART2REGULATIONANDADMINISTRATIONOFSEABEDMINERALACTIVITIES

SeabedMineralActivities
EstablishmentoftheFijiInternationalSeabedAuthority
CompositionoftheAuthority
ObjectivesoftheAuthority
FunctionsoftheAuthority
PowersoftheAuthority
Delegationofpowers
MeetingsandproceedingsoftheAuthority
Authoritymayinviteotherstomeetings
Disclosureofinterest
Consultations
FundsoftheAuthority
Annualreports
Audit
FijiInternationalSeabedMineralsWorkingGroup
HighCourtJurisdiction
FijiSeabedMineralResourcesCorporation
PART3SPONSORSHIPAPPLICATIONANDAPPLICATIONTOTHEISA
EligibilitytoperformSeabedMineralActivities
InvitationforSponsorshipApplications
SponsorshipApplications
TheprocessingofSponsorshipApplications

ContentsofaSponsorshipApplication
RecommendationforissuanceofaSponsorshipCertificate
IssuanceofSponsorshipCertificate
NoticeofSponsorshipCertificatedecision
ApplicationbySponsoredPartytoISA
Sponsorshipagreements

2570
PART4OBLIGATIONSPERTAININGTOTHECONDUCTOFSEABEDMINERALACTIVITIES
DutiespertainingtoSeabedMineralActivities
Indemnification
PART5ROLEOFSPONSORINGSTATE
DutiesofSponsoringState
Monitoringpowers
Administrativeaction
PART6RECORDS,TERMINATION,TRANSFERANDEXTENSIONOFSPONSORSHIP
Records
Securityoftenure
Termination
SurrenderofSponsorship
RevocationofSponsorship
Noticeofrevocation
Renewal
Ongoingliabilityaftertermination
PART7FISCALARRANGEMENTS
PaymentsbySponsoredParties
FinancialpaymentstotheISA
RecoveryofpaymentsowedbySponsoredParties
Security
PART8MISCELLANEOUS
Inquiriesintoincidents
Unlawfulinterferencewithotherseausers
RightsofotherStates
PublicofficialsprohibitedfromacquiringSeabedMineralrights
Offencecommittedbyabodycorporate

Disputes
Regulations
Consequential
DecisionsmadeunderthisDecreenottobechallenged

________
GOVERNMENTOFFIJI
________
INTERNATIONALSEABEDMINERALMANAGEMENTDECREE2013
(DECREENO.21OF2013)
INexerciseofthepowersvestedinmeasthePresidentoftheRepublicofFijiandtheCommanderinChiefofthe
RepublicofFijiMilitaryForcesbyvirtueoftheExecutiveAuthorityofFijiDecree2009,Iherebymakethe
followingDecree
ALAWTOGOVERNFIJISENGAGEMENTINSEABEDMINERALACTIVITIESINTHEAREABEYOND
NATIONALJURISDICTIONANDFORRELATEDMATTERS

PART1PRELIMINARY
Shorttitleandcommencement

1.ThisDecreemaybecitedastheInternationalSeabedMineralManagementDecree2013,andshallcomeinto
forceonadateappointedbytheMinisterbynoticepublishedintheGazette.

2571
Interpretation

2.(1)InthisDecree,unlessthecontextotherwiserequires
Areameanstheseabedandoceanfloorandsubsoilthereofbeyondthelimitsofnationaljurisdiction,as
definedinArticle1(1)oftheUNConventionontheLawoftheSea;
AuthoritymeanstheFijiInternationalSeabedAuthorityestablishedundersection6ofthisDecree;
ContractAreameansanypartoftheAreainrespectofwhichthereisinforceacontractbetweena
SponsoredPartyandtheISAfortheconductofSeabedMineralActivities;
exploitationmeanstherecoveryofSeabedMineralswithintheAreaforcommercialpurposesandthe
extractionofmineralsfrom,includingtheconstructionandoperationofallmining,processingand
transportationsystemsfortheproductionandmarketingofmetals,insofarastheseactivitiestakeplaceat
sea;
explorationmeanstheexclusiverightto
searchwithintheAreaforSeabedMineraldeposits;
conductthesamplingandanalysisofsuchdeposits;
conductthetestingofsystemsandequipment;and
carryoutstudies,
forthepurposeofinvestigatingwhetherthosemineralscanbecommerciallyexploited;
financialyearmeansthefinancialyearoftheAuthoritywhichshallbefromthe1stdayofJanuarytothe
31stdayofDecemberofeachyear;
InternationalSeabedAuthorityorISAmeanstheInternationalSeabedAuthorityestablishedbyPartXI
section4oftheUNConventionontheLawoftheSeaastheorganisationthroughwhichStatePartiestothe
UNConventionontheLawoftheSeashallorganiseandcontrolSeabedMineral
ActivitiesintheArea;
marineenvironmentmeanstheenvironmentofthesea,andincludesthephysical,chemical,geological,
biologicalandgeneticcomponents,conditionsandfactorswhichinteractanddeterminetheproductivity,
state,conditionandqualityofthemarineecosystem,thewatersoftheseasandoceansandtheairspaceabove
thosewaters,includingtheseabedandoceanfloorandsubsoilthereof;
MarineScientificResearchmeansanylawfulstudy,researchorotherrelatedscientificactivitywithinthe

Area,whetherfundamentalorapplied,intendedtoincreaseknowledgeaboutthemarineenvironmentforthe
benefitofallmankind,andnotundertakendirectlyforindustrialoreconomicpurposes,andnotsignificantly
alteringthesurfaceorsubsurfaceofthedeepseabednorsignificantlyaffectingthemarineenvironment;
MinistermeanstheMinisterresponsibleforLandsandMineralResources;
personmeansanynaturalpersonorbusinessenterpriseandincludes,butisnotlimitedto,acorporation,
partnership,cooperative,association,theStateoranysubdivisionoragencythereof,andanyforeign

State,subdivisionoragencyofsuchStateorotherentity;
PrecautionaryApproachmeansthatinordertoprotecttheenvironment,wheretherearethreatsofserious
orirreversibledamage,lackoffullscientificcertaintyshallnotbeusedasareasonforpostponingcost
effectivemeasurestopreventenvironmentaldegradation;
publicofficialmeansapersoninthepermanentortemporaryemploymentoftheGovernmentofFiji;
RulesoftheISAmeansanyrules,regulations,orproceduresadoptedbytheISApursuanttopowersconferred
ontheISAbytheUNConventionontheLawoftheSeathatarefromtimetotimeinforce,andanycontractual
termscontainedinacontractbetweentheISAandaSponsoringPartyrelatingto

SeabedMineralActivities;
SeabedMineralorSeabedMineralsmeansthehardmineralresourcesofanypartoftheArea,including
thoseincrust,noduleorhydrothermaldepositform,whichcontain(inquantitiesgreaterthantrace)
metalliferousornonmetalliferouselements;

2572
SeabedMineralActivitiesmeansoperationsfortheexplorationorexploitationofSeabedMineralswithinthe
AreaundercontractwiththeISAandundersponsorshipbyaStateParty;
SponsoredPartymeansapersonwhoholdsacurrentSponsorshipCertificateissuedundersection28ofthis
Decreeandincludesthatpersonsrepresentativesorofficers,andanypersonorpersonstowhomtheSponsorship
Certificatemaylawfullyhavebeenassigned;
SponsorshipApplicantmeansapersonapplyingforaSponsorshipCertificateinaccordancewithsection24of
thisDecree;
SponsorshipApplicationmeansanapplicationmadebyapersonforaSponsorshipCertificateunderthis
Decree;
SponsorshipCertificatemeansacertificateissuedinaccordancewithsection28ofthisDecree;
SponsoringStatemeansaStatePartytotheUNConventionontheLawoftheSea,sponsoringapersontocarry
outexplorationorexploitationintheAreainaccordancewithArticle153(2)(b)oftheUN
ConventionontheLawoftheSea;
StatePartymeansaStatewhichhasconsentedtobeboundbytheUNConventionontheLawoftheSeaandfor
whichthisConventionisinforce;
UNConventionontheLawoftheSeameanstheUnitedNationsConventionontheLawoftheSeaof10
December1982enteredintoforceon16November1994,the1994AgreementRelatingtotheImplementationof
PartXIoftheUnitedNationsConventionontheLawoftheSeaof10December
1982,andanyAnnexesthereto;and
WorkingGroupmeanstheFijiInternationalSeabedMineralsWorkingGroupestablishedbysection19ofthis
Decree.
(2)Unlessacontraryintentionappears,wordsandexpressionsusedinthisDecreeareaccordedthesamemeaning
asusedintheUNConventionontheLawoftheSea.
3.(1)TheobjectivesofthisDecreeareto

Objectives

enableFijitoactasaSponsoringStateforthepurposesofengaginginSeabedMineralActivities;
empowerFijitoengageinSeabedMineralActivitiesthrougheitherabodycorporateestablishedunderthis
DecreeorbywayofsponsorshipofaSponsoredParty;
establishaclearandstablelegaloperatingenvironmentforSponsoredPartiesorpartiesengagedbytheAuthority
toundertakeSeabedMineralActivitiesintheArea;
ensurethatSeabedMineralActivitiesarecarriedoutunderFijiseffectivecontrolandinamannerthatis
consistentwiththeRulesoftheISAandFijisresponsibilitiesundertheUNConventionontheLawoftheSea
andotherapplicablerequirementsofinternationallaw;and
implementmeasurestomaximisethebenefitsofSeabedMineralActivitiesforpresentandfuturegenerations.
Inordertoachieveitsobjectives,thisDecree

identifiestheresponsibleregulatoryauthoritywithinGovernmenttomanageFijisinvolvementwithSeabed
MineralActivities;
establishesasystemofSponsorshipunderwhichSponsoredPartiesshallbeauthorisedtoengagein
SeabedMineralActivities;and
providesfortheStatetoreceivepaymentsforitssponsorshipofSeabedMineralActivities.
Jurisdiction

4.ByenactmentofthisDecree,Fijirecognises
(a)
ISA;

thattherightstotheAreaaregovernedbytheUNConventionontheLawoftheSeaandtheRulesofthe

2573
theISAsresponsibilityundertheUNConventionontheLawoftheSeatoorganiseandcontrolactivitiesinthe
Areaandto
processapplicationsforapprovalofplansofworkforexplorationandexploitationintheArea;

monitorcompliancewithplansofwork,approvedintheformofacontract,includingthroughastaffof
inspectors;and
adoptrules,regulationsandproceduresnecessaryfortheconductofexplorationandexploitationintheArea;
therules,regulations,proceduresandstandardsadoptedbytheISAforthe
protectionandpreservationofthenaturalresourcesoftheAreaandthepreventionofdamagetothefloraand
faunaofmarineenvironment;
prevention,reductionandcontrolofpollutionandotherhazardstoandtheinterferencewiththeecological
balanceofthemarineenvironment;and
exerciseofsuchcontroloveractivitiesintheAreaasisnecessaryforthepurposeofsecuringcompliancewiththe
UNConventionontheLawoftheSeaandtheRulesoftheISAbycontractorscarryingoutactivitiesintheArea;
theresponsibilityofStatePartiestotheUNConventionontheLawoftheSeatoassisttheISAinexercisingthe
dutyoutlinedinPart5ofthisDecree;
thatexplorationandexploitationactivitiesintheAreashallonlybecarriedoutwiththeapprovaloftheISAby
StatePartiestotheUNConventionontheLawoftheSea;or
personssponsoredbyStateParties;and
whereaStatePartyisaSponsoringState,itisthedutyofthatStatetoeffectivelycontrolanypersonengagedin
activitiesintheAreaunderitssponsorshipandtoensureconformityofthoseactivitieswiththeUNConvention
ontheLawoftheSeaandtheRulesoftheISA.
PART2REGULATIONANDADMINISTRATIONOFSEABEDMINERALACTIVITIES
SeabedMineralActivities

5.(1)InaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheUNConventionontheLawoftheSea,Fijimayeitherdirectly
orinpartnershipwithanotherbodycorporate
applytotheISAtobeissuedacontracttoconductexplorationorexploitationactivitieswithinthe
Area;or
sponsoranapplicationbyabodycorporatetotheISAforacontracttoconductexplorationorexploitation
activitieswithintheArea.
Fijimayinaccordancewithsubsection(1),enterintosucharrangementsasmaybenecessarytodevelopthe
resourcesoftheAreacontractedbytheISA.
EstablishmentoftheFijiInternationalSeabedAuthority

6.ThissectionestablishestheFijiInternationalSeabedAuthoritywhichshallbeabodycorporatewithperpetual
successionandacommonseal,andmay
sueandbesued;

acquire,holdanddisposeofproperty;
enterintocontract,agreementoranyothertransaction;and
doallotheractsthatmaybedoneinlawbyabodycorporate.
CompositionoftheAuthority

7.TheAuthorityshallconsistofthefollowingortheirnomineeswhoshallserveinan exofficiocapacity
PermanentSecretaryforLandsandMineralResourcesastheChairperson;
SolicitorGeneral;
DirectoroftheMineralResourcesDepartment;
DirectoroftheDepartmentofFisheries;and
DirectorofthePoliticalTreatiesDivisionastheSecretary.

2574
ObjectivesoftheAuthority

8.TheAuthorityhasthefollowingobjectives
provideastable,transparentandaccountableprocessforthesponsorshipandsupervisionofSeabed
MineralActivities;
ensuretheprotectionandpreservationofthemarineenvironment;
ensurecompliancebySponsoredPartiesorotherpartiesengagedinSeabedMineralActivitieswithrelevantrules
andinternationallyagreedstandards;and
ensurethattheconductofSeabedMineralActivitiesmaximisesbenefitstoFiji.
FunctionsoftheAuthority

9.(1)ThefunctionsoftheAuthorityshallbeto
facilitate
theapplicationofabodycorporateorSponsoredPartytotheISAforacontracttoconductexplorationor
exploitationactivities;and
FijisanditsSponsoredPartiesunderstandingofandcompliancewithrelevantinternationallaws,standardsand
rules;
monitor,implementandsecurecomplianceofSponsoredPartiesandotherpartiesengagedinSeabed
MineralActivitieswiththeRulesoftheISA;
undertakeanyadvisory,supervisoryorenforcementactivitiesinrelationtoSeabedMineralActivitiesortheprotection
ofthemarineenvironment,intheeventthisisrequiredinadditiontotheISAsworkinorderforFijitomeetits
obligationsundertheUNConventionoftheLawoftheSea,whetherasa

StateenterpriseorasaSponsoringState;
requireandreviewrelevantreportsandinformationprovidedbySponsoredPartiesorotherpartiesengagedin
SeabedMineralActivities;
maintainappropriaterecords,pertainingtoSeabedMineralActivitiesconductedbythosePartiesspecifiedin(d);
ensurethatcontractualarrangementsarefairforpartiesundertakingorproposingtoundertakeSeabed

MineralActivitiesintheAreaforwhichacontracthasbeengranted;
ensurethatSeabedMineralActivitiesarecarriedoutinamannerthatisconsistentwiththeRulesoftheISAand
FijisresponsibilitiesundertheUNConventionontheLawoftheSea,andanyotherapplicablerequirementof
internationallaw;
facilitateanyapplicationstotheISArelatingtoSeabedMineralActivities;
settermsandconditionsofanylicencesgrantedbytheAuthoritytootherpartiesengagedinSeabed
MineralActivities;and

negotiatefees,royaltiesandtaxesinrespectofSeabedMineralActivitiesonacasebycasebasiswithSponsored
PartiesandotherpartiesengagedinSeabedMineralActivities.
TheAuthorityshallberesponsiblefortheadministrationofFijissponsorshipresponsibilitiesinaccordancewith
theUNConventionontheLawoftheSea.
InadministeringFijissponsorshipresponsibilities,theAuthoritymustregularlyconsult,referanytechnical
matter,andtakeintoaccountinitsdecisionmakinganyrecommendationfromtheWorkingGroup.
TheMinistermaygivesuchdirections,notinconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisDecreeandtheUnitedNations
ConventionontheLawoftheSea,astotheperformanceoffunctionsanddutiesbytheAuthority.
PowersoftheAuthority

10.(1)IncarryingoutthefunctionsandobjectivesofthisDecree,theAuthoritymayexercisethefollowing
powers
processapplicationsforexplorationandexploitationintheArea;
formulaterules,regulationsandproceduresincorporatingapplicablestandardsforthe
conductofexplorationandexploitationintheAreaforwhichacontracthasbeengranted;
protectionandpreservationofthenaturalresourcesoftheAreaandthepreventionofdamagetothefloraand
faunaofmarineenvironment;and

2575
prevention,reductionandcontrolofpollutionandotherhazardsto,andtheinterferencewiththeecological
balanceof,themarineenvironment;and
endeavourtoexercisereasonablecontroloveractivitiesintheAreabycontractors.
TheAuthorityshallhaveallsuchpowersasmaybereasonablynecessaryorconvenientforthepurposeof
carryingoutitsfunctionsunderthisDecree.
Delegationofpowers

11.(1)TheAuthoritymay,fromtimetotime,inwriting,delegateitspowersandfunctionsunderthisDecreeto
anyperson,committeeorworkinggroup.
AdelegationmaybemadesubjecttosuchtermsandconditionsastheAuthoritythinksfit,andmaybemade
eithergenerallyorinrelationtoparticularcircumstances.
Anyperson,committeeorworkinggrouppurportingtoexerciseanypoweroftheAuthoritybyvirtueofa
delegationunderthissectionshall,whenrequiredtodoso,produceevidenceofsuchAuthoritytoexercisethe
power.
Anypersoninbreachofsubsection(3)shallbeguiltyofanoffenceandliableuponconvictiontoafineof$5,000
oratermofimprisonmentof2years,orboth.
MeetingsandproceedingsoftheAuthority

12.(1)TheAuthoritymaymeetasandwhennecessaryorexpedientfortheperformanceofitsfunctionswith
suchmeetingsheldatatimeandvenuedeterminedbytheChairperson.
TheChairpersonshallpresideatallmeetingsoftheAuthorityandinhisorherabsence,theMinistermayappoint
apersonwhetherornotamemberoftheAuthoritytoactasChairperson.
AtameetingoftheAuthority,3membersoftheAuthorityshallformaquorum.
Anyissuesraisedortobedecidedshallbedecidedbyamajorityofthevotesofthememberspresentandvoting,
andintheeventofequalityofvotes,theChairperson,orinhisorherabsence,thepersonpresidingshallhavethe
castingvote.
ThevalidityofanyproceedingsoftheAuthorityshallnotbeaffectedbyanyvacancyamongstitsmembersorby
anydefectintheappointmentofanymember.
Authoritymayinviteotherstomeetings

13.(1)TheAuthoritymayinviteanypersontoattendameetingoftheAuthorityforthepurposeofadvisingit
onanymatterunderdiscussion.
(2)Apersoninvitedtoattendameetingundersubsection(1)shallnotvoteatanymeetingoftheAuthority.
Disclosureofinterest

14.(1)AnymemberoftheAuthoritywhohasadirectorindirectinterest,whetherpersonalorpecuniaryina
matterunderdiscussionbytheAuthority,shalldisclosetotheAuthoritythefactandnatureofhisorherinterest.
Adisclosureundersubsection(1)shallberecordedintheminutesoftheAuthority.
Afteradisclosureundersubsection(1)thememberinquestionshallnottakepartinnorbepresentduringany
discussion,deliberationordecisionoftheAuthority.
Amemberwhofailstodisclosehisorherinterestasrequiredbysubsection(1)commitsanoffenceandshallbe
liableuponconvictiontoafinenotexceeding$10,000andtoimprisonmentof5years,ortoboth.
Consultations

15.TheAuthoritymayconsultwithpersonsofrelevantexpertise,interestgroups,orthegeneralpublicbefore
makingadecisionortakinganactionunderthisDecree.

FundsoftheAuthority

16.ThefundsoftheAuthorityforthepurposesofthisDecreeshallconsistof
(a)anymoneyappropriatedbytheGovernment;
(b)rates,feesandotherchargesreceivedbyoronbehalfoftheAuthoritybyvirtueofthisDecree;and
(c)anyothermoneyreceivedbyoronbehalfoftheAuthority.

HighCourtJurisdiction

2576
Annualreports

17.(1)TheAuthorityshallwithin3monthsaftertheendofeachfinancialyear,prepareanannualreport
detailingitsactivitiesduringthatfinancialyear.
(2)TheAuthorityshallsendacopyoftheannualreporttotheMinisterwhoshallcauseittobelaidbefore
Cabinetassoonaspracticable.
(3)Anannualreportpreparedinaccordancewithsubsection(1)shallcontainanauditedstatementofaccounts
preparedinaccordancewithgenerallyacceptedaccountingpracticeasdeterminedbytheFinancialManagement
Act2004.
Audit

18.TheAuthorityisrequiredtobeauditedatleastonceayear.
FijiInternationalSeabedMineralsWorkingGroup

19.(1)ThissectionestablishestheFijiInternationalSeabedMineralsWorkingGroupwhichshallprovide
technicalandpolicyadviceandrecommendationstotheAuthorityintheperformanceofitsfunctions.
(2)TheWorkingGroupshallconsistofpersonsappointedbytheMinister.
(3)TheWorkingGroupshallworkinconsultationwiththeAuthorityonallmattersregardingSeabedMineral

Activities.
20.TheHighCourtmayconduct
judicialreviewofadministrativedecisions,determinations,actionsorinquiriestakenunderthis
Decree;or
proceedingstoestablishliabilityandtoproviderecourseforpromptandadequatecompensationintheeventof
unlawfuldamagecausedbySeabedMineralActivities,inaccordancewithArticle235(2)oftheUNConvention
ontheLawoftheSea.
FijiSeabedMineralResourcesCorporation

21.(1)ThereshallbeincorporatedacompanytobecalledtheFijiSeabedMineralResourcesCorporationin
accordancewiththeCompaniesAct(Cap.247)forthepurposesofengaginginpartnershiporjointventure
arrangementstoconductSeabedMineralActivities.
TheFijiSeabedMineralResourcesCorporationshallbedeemedtobeaGovernmentCompanywithlimited
liabilityforthepurposesofthePublicEnterprisesAct1996.
TheFijiSeabedMineralResourcesCorporation,includinganyentityorpartyitengages,shallensurethatit
operatesinamannerconsistentwiththeprovisionsofthisDecreeandanyotherwrittenlaw.
TheMinisterforPublicEnterprisesmaygivesuchdirectionstotheperformance,operationandadministrationof
theFijiSeabedMineralResourcesCorporationestablishedundersubsection(1).
TheFijiSeabedMineralResourcesCorporationshallcomplywithanydirectionsissuedbytheMinisterforPublic
Enterprisesinaccordancewithsubsection(4).

PART3SPONSORSHIPAPPLICATIONANDAPPLICATIONTOTHEISA
EligibilitytoperformSeabedMineralActivities

22.TobeeligibletoperformSeabedMineralActivitiesaSponsorshipApplicantmustfirst
obtainavalidSponsorshipCertificatefromtheAuthority;and
obtainavalidcontractfromtheISA,
pertainingtothoseSeabedMineralActivities.
InvitationforSponsorshipApplications

23.TheAuthoritymayinviteSponsorshipApplications.
SponsorshipApplications

24.AnypersonwhowishestoengageinSeabedMineralActivitiesmustmakeanapplicationinwritingtothe
Authority.

2577
TheprocessingofSponsorshipApplications

25.TheAuthoritymustprocessSponsorshipApplicationspromptlyandmay
requestfurtherinformationfromaSponsorshipApplicant;
requesttheSponsorshipApplicanttoamendanypartofitsSponsorshipApplication,atanytimebeforemakinga
recommendationundersection27ofthisDecree;or
returnaSponsorshipApplicationwithoutadecisioniftheSponsorshipApplicantfailstocomplywitharequest
underthissection.
ContentsofaSponsorshipApplication

26.(1)ASponsorshipApplicationmustbemadeinwritingtotheAuthorityandmustprovidethefollowing

copiesofanystudiesconductedbytheSponsorshipApplicantorotherdatainrelationtothepotentialofthesite
orsiteswithinwhichtheproposedSeabedMineralActivitieswillbeconducted;
copiesorsummariesofanystudiesconductedbytheSponsorshipApplicantorotherdatainrelationtopotential
impactoftheSeabedMineralActivitiesonthemarineenvironment;
documentspertainingtoownership,leaseorotherarrangementtousevesselsandequipmentrequiredforthe
operationoftheSeabedMineralActivities;
alistofemployeesrequiredtooperatetheSeabedMineralActivities,andanindicationifanyofthesewillbe
recruitedfromFiji;and
insuranceorcontingencyfundingtocoverdamagethatmaybecausedbytheSeabedMineralActivitiesorthe
costsofrespondingtoanincident.
TheSponsorshipApplicantmustalsoincludeevidenceofthefollowing
thatitisanexistingbodycorporate,registeredinFiji;
guarantorswhowillguaranteethatthecontentoftheSponsorshipApplicationistrueandaccurate,andintendstoapply
foracontractwiththeISAtoconductexplorationorexploitationintheAreaunder
Fijissponsorship;

anindicationoftheSponsorshipApplicantsproposedmethodsforfinancingtheSeabedMineralActivities;
thatithassufficientfinancialandtechnicalresourcesandcapabilitytocoverdamagethatmaybecausedbythe
SeabedMineralActivitiesorthecostsofrespondingtoanincident;
proofofpaymentorabilitytopaytherelevantfeesorpaymentsrequiredbythisDecree;and
capacitybuildingprogrammeprovidingforthetrainingofFijipersonnel.
TheSponsorshipApplicationmustincludeaStatutoryDeclarationastowhethertheSponsoredPartyoranyofits
Directorshaspreviouslybeenfoundtohave
breachedamaterialtermorconditionoftheRulesoftheISA;
beenconvictedofanoffenceorincurredacivilpenaltypertainingtotheconductofSeabedMineral
Activitiesorsimilarseaorlandbasedactivitiesinanotherjurisdiction;or
beenconvictedofanoffenceinvolvingfraudordishonesty.
TheSponsorshipApplicantshallalsoberequiredtoprovide

awrittenundertakingthatthe
SponsorshipApplicantwillfullycomplywithhisorherobligationsundertheRulesoftheISAandthisDecree;
and
proposedSeabedMineralActivitiesbytheSponsorshipApplicantwillfullycomplywiththeRulesoftheISAin
relationtoenvironmentalmanagementandapplicablenationalandinternationallaws,includingthoserelatingto
safetyatsea;and
anyfurthermattersasmaybeprescribedbytheMinister.
RecommendationforissuanceofaSponsorshipCertificate

27.(1)TheAuthorityshall,uponreceiptofanapplicationmadeundersection24andhavingconsultedthe
WorkingGroup,makearecommendationtoCabinetfortheissuanceofaSponsorshipCertificateifitissatisfied
thatthe
contentsoftheSponsorshipApplicationareinaccordancewiththerequirementsundersection26ofthisDecree;
and

2578
proposedSeabedMineralActivities
willnotresultinirreparableharmtoanycommunity,culturalpracticeorindustryinFiji;and
willbeintheinterestofthecountry,takingintoaccountthepotentialforcapacitybuilding,employmentandthe
longtermeconomicbenefitstoFiji.
Inmakingarecommendationundersubsection(1),theAuthoritymaytakeintoaccountanyorallofthe
informationsubmittedbytheSponsorshipApplicant,andanyrelevantinformationinthepublicdomain,received
fromtheWorkingGrouporotherconsultation,orotherwiseheldintheGovernmentsrecords.
ApreviousdecisionbytheISAtograntaSponsorshipApplicantacontractforactivitiessimilartothosethatare
thesubjectofaSponsorshipApplicationmaybeconsideredbytheAuthorityasevidenceinrelationtoanyofthe
requirementsofthatSponsorshipApplication.
IssuanceofSponsorshipCertificate

28.(1)UponreceiptofarecommendationmadebytheAuthorityundersection27,Cabinetmaydecide,
whethertoissuetheSponsorshipApplicantwithaSponsorshipCertificateortodenytheapplication.
(2)WhereCabinethasapprovedtheissuanceofaSponsorshipCertificateinaccordancewithsubsection(1),the
SponsorshipCertificateshallbesignedbytheMinisterandshallcontain
thenameoftheSponsoredParty;
astatementthattheSponsoredPartyis
sponsoredbyFiji;and
subjecttotheeffectivecontrolofFiji;
thedateofdepositbyFijiofitsinstrumentofratificationof,oraccessionorsuccessionto,theUNConventionon
theLawoftheSea;
adeclarationthatFijiassumesresponsibilityinaccordancewithArticle139,paragraph4ofArticle
153andparagraph4ofArticle4ofAnnexIIIoftheUNConventionontheLawoftheSea;
theperiodoftimeforwhichtheSponsorshipCertificateshallremaininforceunlessotherwiseterminatedin
accordancewiththisDecree;and
anyothermatterreasonablyrequiredbytheISAorthattheAuthoritydeemsappropriate.
NoticeofSponsorshipCertificatedecision

29.(1)WhereCabinethasmadeadecisioninaccordancewithsection28,theAuthorityshallinformthe
SponsorshipApplicantofsuchadecisionwithin10daysofthatdecisionbeingmade.
(2)Whereadecisionismadeinaccordancewithsection28todenytheSponsorshipCertificate,theAuthority
mayprovidetheSponsorshipApplicantwithawrittenstatementofreasonsforthatdecision,andwillgivethe
SponsorshipApplicantareasonableopportunitytoresubmitanamendedversionofthatSponsorshipApplication,
withoutrequiringanotherApplicationfee.
ApplicationbySponsoredPartytoISA

30.(1)ASponsoredPartymaysubmitanapplicationtotheISAforacontractforexplorationorexploitationin
theAreaunderFijissponsorship.
TheAuthorityshallprovideallreasonablecooperationstotheSponsoredPartytofacilitatethepreparation,
submissionandsupportoftheapplicationtotheISA.
ThecostsofpresentingthatapplicationtotheISA,includinganycostsincurredbyFijiinsupportingthe

applicationbeforetheISA,shallbemetbytheSponsoredParty.
Sponsorshipagreements

31.(1)TheMinister,withCabinetsapprovalandupontheAuthoritysrecommendation,mayenterintowritten
agreementswiththeSponsoredParty,atanytimeaftertheSponsorshipCertificatehasbeengranted,toestablish
additionaltermsandconditionsastothesponsorshiparrangement,providedthatthe
WorkingGrouphasbeenconsulted,anditsviewstakenintoaccountbytheAuthority;and
termsofsuchanagreementdonotorarenotlikelytoleadtoacontraventionbyFijiortheSponsoredPartyofthe
RulesoftheISAorthisDecree.
TheSponsoredPartyoranyotherentityengagedbyFijiforthepurposesofSeabedMineralActivitiesshallenjoy
exemptionfromtaxesandsuchotherprivilegesasmaybeprovidedbyanagreementundersubsection(1).

2579
PART4OBLIGATIONSPERTAININGTOTHECONDUCTOFSEABEDMINERALACTIVITIES
DutiespertainingtoSeabedMineralActivities

32.AnypersonengagedinSeabedMineralActivities,whetherdirectlyorindirectly,shallberequiredto
adheretotheRulesoftheISAandthisDecree;
providesufficienttraining,supervisionandresourcestoemployees,agentsorofficerssoastoensurecompliance
withtheRulesoftheISAandanyotherinstructionsorrequestsoftheISA;
ensurethattheproposedSeabedMineralActivitieswillnotundulyaffect
therightsofotherlegitimateseausers;or
internationalpeaceandsecurity;
facilitatetheISAsregulationandtheAuthoritysmonitoringofSeabedMineralActivitiesinaccordancewiththe
RulesoftheISAandthisDecreeandcomplywiththereasonablerequests,directionsorordersofISAinspectors,orof
Authorityobserversmadepursuanttosection35ofthisDecree;
applythePrecautionaryApproach,andemploybestenvironmentalpracticeinaccordancewithprevailing
internationalstandardsinordertoavoid,mitigate,orremedyadverseeffectsofSeabed
MineralActivitiesonthemarineenvironment;

offerFijiopportunitiesfortraininginrelationto,andparticipationin,theSeabedMineralActivities;
maintainappropriateinsurancepoliciesthatprovideadequatecoverforidentifiedrisksandcostsofdamagesthat
maybecausedbytheSeabedMineralActivities,orotherwiseprovidesatisfactoryevidenceofitsfinancialand
technicalcapabilitytorespondtopotentialincidents;
reporttotheISAandtheAuthorityimmediatelyintheeventofanincidentoccurringorappearingorreasonably
likelytooccurandrespondefficientlyandresponsiblytotheincident,includingseekingandfollowingtheISAs
andtheAuthoritysdirectionswhereappropriate;
submittotheISAandtheAuthorityimmediatelyinwritingnoticeofanynewinformationarisingordata
collectedthatmateriallyaffect
therequirementsforaSponsorshipApplicationlistedundersection26;
theexplorationandexploitationplansoftheSponsoredParty;or
theSponsoredPartysabilitytoadheretothetermsoftheRulesoftheISA;
ensure,atallmaterialtimes,that
anyvessels,installationsandequipmentengagedinSeabedMineralActivitiesareingoodrepairandcomplywith
thelawsoftheflagState;and
workingconditionsforpersonnelengagedinSeabedMineralActivitiesmeetapplicableemploymentrulesand
healthandsafetystandards;
refrainfromdumpingmineralmaterialsorwastefromanyvesselexceptinaccordancewithrelevantinternational
lawortheRulesoftheISA;
immediatelyceaseSeabedMineralActivitieswhereISAissuesevidencethattoproceedisreasonablylikelyto

causesignificantadverseimpacttothe
marineenvironmentthatwasnotanticipatedinanyenvironmentalimpactassessmentpreviouslyconducted;or
safety,healthorwelfareofanypersonorotherexistingorplannedlegitimateseausesincludingbutnotlimitedto
MarineScientificResearch,navigation,submarinecables,fisheriesorconservationactivities;
ensurethatthecontentsofdata,reportsorotherinformationsubmittedtotheISAinrelationtotheSeabed
MineralActivitiesaretrue,accurateandcomprehensive.
Indemnification

33.(1)ASponsoredPartyorapartyengagedinapartnershiporjointventurewithabodycorporatewholly
ownedbyFijishallbe
responsiblefortheperformanceofallSeabedMineralActivitiescarriedoutwithintheContractArea,andtheir
compliancewiththeRulesoftheISA;and

2580
liablefortheactualamountofanycompensation,damageorpenaltiesarisingoutofitsfailuretocomply,orout
ofanywrongfulactsoromissionsintheconductoftheSeabedMineralActivities.
Byoperationofthissection,Fijishallbeindemnifiedagainstallactions,proceedings,costs,charges,claimsand
demandswhichmaybemadeorbroughtinrelationtotheperformanceofSeabedMineralActivitiesorwith
respecttotheperformanceofanyfunctionortheexerciseofanypowerunderthisDecree.
PART5ROLEOFSPONSORINGSTATE
DutiesofSponsoringState

34.(1)Fiji,throughtheAuthority,shallensurethatitsconductinrelationtotheISA,theAreaandSeabedMineral
Activitiesadherestotherequirementsandstandardsestablishedbygeneralprinciplesofinternationallaw
FijiissponsoringaSponsoredPartywhichholdsacontractwiththeISAtoconductSeabedMineral

where

(a)

Activities;or
agovernmentownedbodycorporateholdsacontractwiththeISAtoconductSeabedMineralActivities.
Whereanyofthecriteriainsubsection(1)ismet,FijithroughtheAuthorityshall
seektoensurethatanySeabedMineralActivitiesiscarriedoutinconformitywiththeUNConventionontheLaw
oftheSea,theRulesoftheISAandotherrequirementsandstandardsestablishedbygeneralprinciplesof
internationallaw;
takeallappropriatemeanstoexerciseitseffectivecontroloverSponsoredPartiesoranypartyorbodycorporate
engagedbyFijiforthepurposesofSeabedMineralActivities;
doallthingsreasonablynecessarytogiveeffecttoitssponsorshipofaSponsoredParty,includingundertaking
anycommunicationswith,andprovidinganyassistance,documentation,certificatesandundertakingstotheISA
oranyotherrelevantpartyrequiredinrespectoftheSponsorship;and
promotetheapplicationofthePrecautionaryApproach.
Monitoringpowers

35.(1)TheAuthorityshallhavethepowertomakesuchexaminations,inspectionsandenquiriesofSponsored
PartiesandtheconductofSeabedMineralActivitiesasarenecessarytomeetitsresponsibilitiesunder
internationallaw,whichmayincludethe
sendingofanobservertothesiteoftheSeabedMineralActivitiesandvesselorpremisesofthe
SponsoredParty;and
inspectionofrelevantbooks,recordsandotherrelevantdata,fromtimetotime,upongivingreasonablenoticeto
theSponsoredParty.
Anobserverengagedinaccordancewithsubsection1(a)shalltakeallreasonablestepstoavoidinterferencewith
thesafeandnormaloperationsonboardvessels.
Whereaninspectioniscarriedoutinaccordancewithsubsection1(b),theAuthoritymaydirectanypersontofurnish
withinareasonabletimeanyinformationitreasonablybelievesisinthatpersonspossessionwhich
relatestoanySponsorshipCertificateorSeabedMineralActivities;or

isotherwisedirectlyrelevanttothedischargeoftheAuthoritysfunctions.

Apersonorpartywhofailstocomplywithadirectionissuedunderthissectionshallbeliableuponconvictionto
afineof$10,000oratermofimprisonmentof5yearsorboth.
Administrativeaction

36.(1)WheretheAuthorityisoftheopinionthataSponsoredPartyisatseriousriskofmateriallybreaching
theRulesoftheISA,orthisDecree,theAuthorityshall
issuewrittenwarnings,includingwarningsinrelationtopossibleactiontheAuthoritymaytakeintheeventof
futurematerialbreaches;
enterintoawrittenagreementprovidingfortheSponsoredPartytoundertakeaprogrammeofremedialactionand
tomitigatetheriskofreoccurrence;and
issueawrittennoticerequiringtheSponsoredPartytotakespecifiedaction,ornottakespecifiedactionaimedto
stop,remedyormitigatetheriskofoccurrenceorreoccurrenceofmaterialbreach.

2581
(2)WheretheAuthoritydeterminesthataSponsoredPartyhasactedinamannerwhichconstitutesamaterial
breachoftheISARulesorthisDecree,theAuthorityshall
imposeupontheSponsoredPartymonetarypenaltiesproportionatetotheseriousnessoftheviolationorin
accordancewithpenaltiesprescribedbyRegulations,whichexcludeanycompensationpayablefordamageor
harm;or
commenceaprocessundersection41ofthisDecreetorevoketheSponsorshipCertificate.
PART6REGISTER,TERMINATION,TRANSFER,EXTENSIONOFSPONSORSHIP
37.TheAuthorityshall

Records

(a)
retainupdatedandaccuraterecordsofSponsorshipApplicationsreceived,SponsorshipCertificates
issued,ISAcontractsheld,andallcommunication,reportsorotherinformationcreatedorreceived;
(b)ensurethatallsuchrecordsareheldwithappropriateconfidentiality;and
(c)
notdisclosecommerciallysensitiveinformationwithinthoserecordsunlessotherwiseagreedtobythe
SponsoredParty.
Securityoftenure

38.ASponsorshipCertificateshallremaininforceunlessanduntilitisterminatedinaccordancewithsection

39ofthisDecree.
Termination

39.(1)ASponsorshipCertificateterminatesifitis
madeforaspecifiedtermandthattermexpireswithoutrenewalinaccordancewithsection43ofthisDecree;
surrenderedbytheSponsoredPartyinaccordancewithsection40ofthisDecree;and
revokedinaccordancewithsection41ofthisDecree.
(2)UpontheterminationofaSponsorshipCertificateinaccordancewithsubsection(1)allrightsgrantedby
Fijishallcease.
Surrenderofsponsorship

40.ASponsoredPartymayatanytimesurrenderaSponsorshipCertificatewithoutpenaltybygivingtothe
Authoritynotlessthanthreemonthsnoticeinwritingtothateffect.
Revocationofsponsorship

41.TheAuthoritymayrecommendtherevocationofaSponsorshipCertificateforthefollowingreasons
(a)inanycase,withtheconsentoftheSponsoredParty;
(b)wherenomaterialeffortshavebeenmadebytheSponsoredPartytoundertaketheSeabedMineral
ActivitiesforaperiodexceedingfiveyearsfromthedateofsigningthecontractwiththeISA;
(c)

wheretherehasbeenaserious,persistentorwilfulbreachbytheSponsoredPartyoftheRulesoftheISA,

therequirementsofthisDecree,orafinalbindingdecisionofadisputesettlementbodyapplicabletoit;
(d)
wheretheSponsoredPartyknowinglyorrecklesslyprovidestheISAortheAuthoritywithinformationwhich
isfalseormisleadinginamaterialparticular,orfailstoretainorwilfullyalters,suppresses,concealsordestroysany
documentwhichisrequiredtobeproducedtotheISAortheAuthority;or
(e)
where,followingatleasttwowrittennoticesgivenbytheAuthorityinaccordancewiththisDecree,any
paymentordepositrequiredunderPart7ofthisDecreeisinarrearsorunpaidforsixmonthsfollowingthedayon
whichitoughttohavebeenpaid.
Noticeofrevocation

42.Beforemakingadecisionundersection41ofthisDecreetheAuthorityshall
(a)
givetheSponsoredPartyatleast30dayswrittennoticeofitsintentiontomakethedecision,settingout
detailsofthatproposeddecisionandthereasonsforit,andinvitingtheSponsoredPartytomakeawritten
submissionabouttheproposeddecisionwithinaspecifiedtimeframe;and
(b)wherethedecisionmadetorevoketheSponsorshipCertificate,givetheSponsoredPartynolessthan
6monthsnoticebeforethatrevocationtakeseffect.

2582
Renewal

43.(1)TheAuthoritywiththeapprovalofCabinetmayrenewaSponsorshipCertificateforsuccessiveperiods
ofuptofiveyears,providedanapplicationforrenewalisreceivedfromtheSponsoredPartybytheAuthorityat
least9monthsbeforetheexpirationoftheinitialterm.
(2)Whereadecisionhasbeenmadeinaccordancewithsubsection(1)torenewaSponsorshipCertificate,the
AuthorityshallprovidewrittennoticeofsuchrenewaltotheSponsoredPartyassoonaspracticable.
Ongoingliabilityaftertermination

44.WhereaSponsorshipCertificateofaSponsoredPartyhasbeenterminatedinaccordancewithsection39,that
SponsoredPartyshallremain
subjectedtoanyongoingobligations,includingrequirementstosubmitreportsandtomakepaymentstothe
Authority;and
responsibleforanydamagefromitswrongfulactsorotherwisearisingfromitsSeabedMineralsActivitiesin
accordancewiththisDecreeoranyagreementsmadeunderthisDecree.
PART7FISCALARRANGEMENTS
PaymentsbySponsoredParties

45.(1)TheMinistershall,bywayofregulationsandinconsultationwiththeAuthorityandtheWorking
Group,setfeesforSeabedMineralActivitieswhichshallincludebutisnotlimitedtothefollowing
nonrefundableSponsorshipApplicationfees;
Seabedmineralrecoverypaymentfee;
administrationfees;or
anyotherfeeconvenientornecessarytobecharged.
Inaccordancewithsubsection(1)theMinistershallperiodicallyreviewthestructureoffeeswithinthe
regulations.
TheholderofaSponsorshipCertificateshallpaytotheAuthorityanannualadministrationfeeasdeterminedby
theMinister
withinsixmonthsfromthedatetheSponsorshipCertificatewasinitiallyissued;and
everyyearafterthat,onthedatetheSponsorshipCertificatewasissued.
DuringthefifthyearoftheSponsorshipCertificateterm,theAuthoritymayreviewtheamountofadministration
feerequiredeachyearfortheremainderofthetermoftheSponsorshipCertificate.
ASponsoredPartyholdinganISAcontractforexplorationorexploitationunderFijissponsorshipshallpayto
theAuthoritysuchsumsbywayofarecoverypaymentasandwhenshallbeagreedandspecifiedinawritten
agreementmadeundersection31ofthisDecree,atleastoneyearpriortothecommencementofexploitationby
theSponsoredParty.
Therecoverypaymentamountwill

takeintoaccountthesetup,explorationandexploitationcostsincurredbytheSponsoredParty;and
bebasedonapercentageofthelatestmarketvalueofthemetalcontentcontainedintheSeabedMineralstobe
extractedbytheSponsoredPartythroughtheSeabedMineralActivities.
FinancialpaymentstotheISA

ISA.46.ASponsoredPartyshallmakepromptandfullpaymentofanysumsduetotheISA,undertheRulesofthe
RecoveryofpaymentsowedbySponsoredParties

47.(1)Asumofmoneypayablepursuanttosection45isadebtduetoFijiandmayberecoveredinacourtof
competentjurisdiction,andinanysuchproceedingsacertificateoftheAuthoritycertifyingthataspecifiedsumof
moneyissopayable,shallbereceivedasevidenceofthefact.
(2)AnydebtoftheSponsoredPartymayatthecourtsdiscretionberecoveredfromanysecuritydepositedbythesame
SponsoredPartyandinterestontheamountoutstandingmayadditionallybechargedataprescribedrate.

2583
Security

48.(1)TheAuthoritymay,withinoneyearbeforeexploitationisduetocommence,requireaSponsoredPartyto
depositsecurityasaguaranteeofperformanceofitsobligationsundertheRulesoftheISAandthisDecree.
Theformandvalueofanysuchsecurityrequired,andthetermsuponwhichitwillbeheld,willbespecifiedina
writtenagreementmadeundersection31ofthisDecree.

AsecuritydepositedinaccordancewiththissectionmaybeusedbytheAuthoritytotakestepstowardsfulfilling
anyobligationsthattheSponsoredPartyfailstofulfilunderthisDecree,ortorectifyanydamageoflosscaused
asaresultofsuchfailure.
PART8MISCELLANEOUS
Inquiriesintoincidents

49.(1)TheAuthoritymayholdormaycommissioninquiriesintoincidents.
Anincidentoccurswhen
anyshiporinstallationorothersimilaritemorstructurewhileengagedinSeabedMineralActivitiesislost,
abandoned,capsizedorincurssignificantdamage;
lossoflifeorinjuryrequiringhospitalisationoccursonboardanyshiporinstallationwhileengagedinSeabed
MineralActivities,exceptinthecaseofalossoflifethatiscertifiedbyanindependentmedicalpractitioneras
beingtheresultofnaturalcauses;
theconductofSeabedMineralActivitiesresultsinsignificantadverseimpacttoorunlawfulpollutionofthe
marineenvironment;or
theISAissuesanemergencyorderinconnectionwiththeSeabedMineralActivities.
Unlawfulinterferencewithotherseausers

50.NothinginthisDecreeauthorisestheunlawfulinterferencewiththefreedomofthehighseasortheconductof
MarineScientificResearchbyotherpersonsornationunderthegeneralprinciplesofinternationallaw.
RightsofotherStates

51.NothinginthisDecreeshallinanywayaffecttherightsofcoastalStatesinaccordancewithArticle142and
otherrelevantprovisionsoftheUNConventionontheLawoftheSea.
PublicofficialsprohibitedfromacquiringSeabedMineralrights

52.(1)Apublicofficial
engagedbytheAuthorityshallnotdirectlyorindirectlyacquireorretainanypersonalshareholdinginabody
corporatecarryingonSeabedMineralActivities;or
shallnotact,directlyorindirectly,topersonallyacquireanyrightorinterestinanySponsoredPartycontractfor
SeabedMineralActivities.
Anydocumentortransactionpurportingtoconferanyrightorinterestonanysuchpublicofficerwhohasactedin
breachofsubsection(1)shallbenullandvoid.
Anypublicofficialinbreachofsubsection(1)shallbeliableuponconvictiontoafinenotlessthan$2,000ortoa
termofimprisonmentof5years,ortoboth.
Offencecommittedbyabodycorporate

53.WhereanoffenceunderthisDecreehasbeencommittedbyabodycorporateiscommittedwiththeconsentor
connivance,orisattributabletotheneglect,ofanyDirectororofficerofthebodycorporate,thatofficeraswellas
thebodycorporateshallbeguiltyofthatoffence.
Disputes

54.(1)AnydisputearisingbetweenFijiandanotherStateinconnectionwithSeabedMineralActivitiesshall
beresolvedpursuanttotheprovisionsoftheUNConventionontheLawoftheSea.
(2)AnydisputebetweenFijiandtheAuthority,FijiandtheSponsoredParty,theAuthorityandtheSponsored
Party,theAuthorityandabodycorporateorFijiandabodycorporate,arisinginconnectionwiththe
administrationofthisDecreeshallbedealtwithbythepartiesattemptingtoreachsettlementbymutual
agreementormediation,andintheeventthisisnotsuccessfulthenbyreferraltoarbitrationtobeconductedin
accordancewiththeArbitrationAct(Cap.38).

2584
Regulations

55.TheMinistermaymakeregulationstogiveeffecttotheprovisionsofthisDecree.
Consequential

56.ThisDecreehaseffectnotwithstandinganyprovisionofanywrittenlawandtotheextentthatthereisany
inconsistencybetweenthisDecreeandanyotherwrittenlaw,thisDecreeprevails.
DecisionsmadeunderthisDecreenottobechallenged

57.(1)NoCourt,Tribunal,Commissionoranyotheradjudicatingbodyshallhavethejurisdictiontoaccept,
hear,determineorinanyotherwayentertainanyproceeding,claim,challengeordisputebyanypersonorbody
whichthatseeksorpurportstochallengeorquestion
thevalidity,legalityorproprietyofthisDecree;and
anydecisionofanyMinisteroranypublicofficialorbody,madeunderthisDecree.
Anyproceeding,claim,challengeordisputeofanynaturewhatsoeverinanyCourt,Tribunal,Commissionor
beforeanyotherpersonorbodyexercisinganadjudicatingfunction,inrespectofanyofthesubjectmattersin
subsection(1)thathadbeeninstitutedbeforethecommencementofthisDecreebuthadnotbeendeterminedat
thatdateorispendingonappeal,shallwhollyterminateimmediatelyuponthecommencementofthisDecree,and
anyorderwhetherpreliminaryorsubstantivemadethereinshallbewhollyvacated,andaCertificatetothateffect
shallbeissuedbytheChiefRegistrar.
Whereanyproceeding,claim,challenge,applicationordisputeofanyformwhatsoever,isbroughtbeforeanyCourt,
Tribunal,Commissionoranyotheradjudicatingbody,inrespectofanyofthesubjectmattersinsubsection
(1),thepresidingjudicialofficer,withouthearingorinanywaydeterminingtheproceedingsortheapplication,
shallimmediatelytransfertheproceedingortheapplicationtotheChiefRegistrar,forterminationofthe
proceedingorissuanceofaCertificateundersubsection(2).
ACertificateundersubsection(2)is,forthepurposesofanyproceedinginaCourt,Tribunal,Commissionorany
otherpersonexercisingajudicialfunction,conclusiveofthemattersstatedintheCertificate.

AdecisionoftheChiefRegistrartoissueaCertificateundersubsection(2)shallnotbesubjecttochallengeinany
Court,Tribunal,Commissionoranyotheradjudicatingbody.
GIVENundermyhandthis8thdayofJuly2013.
EPELINAILATIKAUPresidentoftheRepublicofFiji

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