After more than three decades of dedicated service to Fiji’s maritime community, Meli Tokolauvere has officially retired from his role as Marine Environment and Pollution Officer at the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF). His remarkable journey in the maritime industry began when MSAF was formerly known as the Fiji Islands Maritime Safety Administration (FIMSA), where Tokolauvere initially operated as an engineer.
Initially drawn to marine environmental protection, Tokolauvere embraced the challenges of his field, notably during significant maritime incidents such as the oil spill from the sinking of the MV Southern Phoenix in 2017. He recalls the urgency of the situation vividly, being called out shortly after the incident occurred at 3 a.m. He deployed a 20-metre French boom to mitigate the environmental impact, demonstrating both his skill and commitment.
Throughout his career, Tokolauvere has witnessed extensive advancements in pollution response technology, reflecting on the minimal resources available when he first started. He expressed gratitude for the training and support he received, particularly from the New Zealand government, which helped him evolve from a learner into a leader in the deployment of innovative maritime equipment across Fiji.
A significant aspect of Tokolauvere’s service was the camaraderie and support he received from his MSAF colleagues, which he says will be one of the things he misses the most now as he transitions into retirement. With a newfound focus on spending quality time with his family—something often compromised by his extensive commitments at sea—he looks forward to embracing this new chapter of his life.
His parting message to his colleagues and the next generation in the industry resonates with simplicity and wisdom: “Do your job. Help will come.” MSAF has expressed its gratitude for Tokolauvere’s years of service and wishes him all the best in his retirement.
Tokolauvere’s story not only reflects his personal dedication and resilience but also highlights the enduring spirit of service within Fiji’s maritime sector, reinforcing the impact of commitment to environmental protection and the importance of community support in achieving professional growth. As he embarks on this new chapter, the memories and experiences he gathered during his distinguished career will undoubtedly inspire others in the maritime industry for years to come.