Fiji is poised to advance its maritime and marine science education through a collaborative effort between the University of Fiji and Captain Cook Cruises Fiji. This partnership will be officially recognized in a memorandum of understanding, aiming to enhance educational opportunities aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s 2025 World Maritime Day theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”
Professor Shaista Shameem, Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, emphasized that this agreement will provide students with access to floating laboratories and marine biology cadetships, supporting projects that promote the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water. Additionally, the partnership will expedite the University’s plans to establish a marine park, which could further enrich practical and research opportunities for students.
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji’s Executive Director, Allison Haworth West, noted the dual role of their vessels as both tourist attractions and in-field classrooms, facilitating real-world training and research alongside their commercial voyages. This initiative is set to bolster the efforts of the IMO’s new Regional Presence Office in Suva, dedicated to maritime safety, environmental protection, and nurturing the Pacific’s Blue Economy.
This step reflects Fiji’s broader commitment to strengthening its maritime sector, evidenced by similar efforts such as the establishment of the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies at Fiji National University. Such initiatives collectively underscore Fiji’s role in merging education with sustainable maritime practices, ensuring the cultivation of a new generation of leaders equipped to navigate the ecological challenges of the future.
The synergy between educational institutions and industry stakeholders in Fiji represents a critical advancement towards a sustainable future for the Pacific’s vital marine industries. Through these endeavors, Fiji is not only preserving its rich maritime heritage but also enhancing its contributions to global maritime solutions.