Forty-five participants from maritime communities across Vanua Levu are engaged in a groundbreaking two-month Class 6 Boat Master training at the Ministry of Fisheries office in Labasa. This training is the first of its kind in Fiji, tailored specifically for small coastal communities that heavily rely on the ocean for transportation and food security.
Captain Charles Pickering, the training coordinator and instructor from the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies, highlights that the program emphasizes sustainability, marine regulations, and responsible fishing practices. These topics are essential for empowering communities to manage their marine resources more effectively. Most of the participants hail from small maritime islands and communities, including Rabi, Bua, Cikobia, Kia, and other nearby islands off Vanua Levu.
“This is the first-ever formal schooling conducted for small-scale fishers,” says Captain Pickering. He notes that these communities have historically had limited access to appropriate maritime training, and this initiative brings valuable education directly to them.
The training is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and modern fishing techniques. Upon completion, they will be qualified to operate vessels measuring up to 15 meters in length and under 20 tonnes in gross tonnage, allowing them to navigate beyond the three-nautical-mile limit.
Funded by the Ministry of Fisheries in collaboration with the School of Maritime Studies at the Fiji National University, this initiative signifies a significant advancement in promoting maritime safety, enhancing fishing standards, and empowering coastal communities that depend on the marine environment for their livelihoods. This training promises to not only improve the skills of the participants but also positively impact the sustainability of fishing practices in Fiji for future generations.
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