Officers from the Fiji Navy, Water Police Unit, and the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service marked a significant milestone last week with their graduation from the Boat Master Licence (BML) and Restricted Master Engineer Licence Class 6 (RMEL6) training programs. This event highlights the crucial focus on enhancing maritime security in Fiji, an area deemed a national priority.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Stanley Brown Naval Base in Lami, featured Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua as the chief guest. He expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from the UK International Development and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), underscoring that such partnerships are essential for bolstering Fiji’s maritime security capabilities.
Lieutenant Colonel Sophie Waters from the United Kingdom was also in attendance, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration in improving maritime operations. This training not only equips officers to perform their duties more effectively but also strengthens the collective commitment to maritime safety and security within the region.
The successful completion of these training programs represents a positive advancement in ensuring that Fiji’s maritime forces are adequately prepared to tackle the challenges they may encounter at sea. The cooperation with international partners reflects a proactive stance towards maintaining peace and stability in Fiji’s waters, ensuring a safer maritime environment for all.