In a significant stride towards enhancing maritime safety and security, around 70 officers from the Republic of Fiji Navy, alongside personnel from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service and the Fiji Police Water Police Unit, have successfully completed the Boat Master Licence and Restricted Master Engineer Licence Class training. The recent graduation ceremony held at the Naval Base in Walu Bay celebrated this accomplishment and underscored Fiji’s dedication to safeguarding its maritime environment.
Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua stressed the importance of protecting Fiji’s maritime territory as a crucial aspect of national security, particularly amidst growing challenges such as drug trafficking. He remarked, “Maritime safety and security are national priorities for Fiji. As an island nation, our security, economy, and daily life depend on safe and well-governed seas. Maritime space is Fiji’s most important space for national security.”
The initiative received significant financial and technical support from the United Kingdom, UNDP, and the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), facilitating this essential capacity-building program. Rustam Pulatov, Team Leader for Effective Governance and Inclusive Growth at UNDP Pacific, highlighted the necessity of collaboration among various maritime agencies to address challenges like transnational crime effectively. He noted that the training’s primary focus was on ensuring safety and protecting lives, securing government assets, and boosting confidence in maritime operations. This cooperative approach fosters accountability and professionalism across agencies, which is critical in navigating complex maritime challenges.
Navy Chief Commodore Timoci Natuva emphasized the significance of capacity building, asserting that enhancing officers’ skills is key to ensuring they can fulfill their responsibilities effectively. Following the graduation, a total of 110 officers are now certified to operate small boats and assist in search and rescue missions, playing vital roles in protecting Fiji’s borders and citizens.
This training initiative marks a proactive approach to bolstering Fiji’s maritime capabilities, enhancing safety and security while adeptly addressing emerging threats. The ongoing collaboration and commitment from various agencies present an encouraging perspective on Fiji’s maritime strategy, ultimately promoting the nation’s stability and security in its vast maritime landscape.