Captain Cook Cruises (CCC) Fiji has partnered with the University of Fiji in an initiative that enhances both academic learning and industry skills within the maritime sector. This collaboration gave students and faculty members, including Vice-Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem, the chance to experience a tour of CCC’s Fiji One vessel. This opportunity was developed on the heels of the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC2025) held in Fiji, aiming to boost knowledge in maritime safety and environmental standards.
The partnership is poised to benefit the Pacific’s blue economy by linking cruise and marine tourism sectors. Students participated hands-on in discussions and learned about the various aspects of maritime and marine science required for industry success, following International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations.
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji’s executive director, Allison Haworth West, described their offerings as not just a tourism experience but a platform for comprehensive maritime education, including marine science, sustainability, and eco-tourism. This initiative is in line with the celebration of World Maritime Day 2025, highlighting the importance of multi-disciplinary training, particularly focusing on coral reefs and marine life, underlining UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water.
Professor Shaista Shameem emphasized the significance of this partnership, highlighting that this initiative provides students with unprecedented exposure and practical experience. The academic curriculum at the University of Fiji is now more focused on practical experiences, ensuring students are well-prepared to enter the workforce. Engaging in projects aimed at coral reef restoration and other ocean conservation efforts, students will have the chance to make meaningful contributions to environmental sustainability.
Aligning with broader regional efforts observed in recent developments like the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies at Fiji National University, this partnership underscores a regional commitment to cultivating sustainability and innovation in the maritime industry. Collaborations like these are promising steps towards fostering an environmentally conscious and skilled workforce that can contribute effectively to the region’s growing blue economy, thereby securing a sustainable future for both maritime and tourism industries across the Pacific.