With the rising concerns over drug trafficking in maritime areas, Fiji is taking significant steps to enhance its maritime security capabilities. Recently, 65 officers from the Republic of Fiji Navy, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), and the Fiji Police Force’s Water Police Division successfully completed critical training for the Boat Masters Licence (BML) and the Restricted Master Engineer Licence Class 6 (RMEL6) in Suva.
This certification plays a crucial role in improving inter-agency coordination, facilitating more efficient and professional joint operations that bolster both border protection and maritime surveillance efforts. The training was financially supported by the United Nations Development Programme, alongside contributions from the UK Government, and was conducted by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji.
During the graduation event, Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, underscored the importance of maritime security as a national priority for Fiji. He stressed that effective management and protection of Fiji’s maritime spaces necessitate robust inter-agency collaboration, highly trained personnel, and continual international support from partners like the UK and UNDP.
Tikoduadua emphasized the need for a unified approach, capacity development, and the shared responsibility of the officers to safeguard Fiji’s waters from various threats, particularly drug-related and other non-traditional security risks.
Fiji Navy Commander Timoci Natuva expressed his appreciation for the training’s positive contribution to operational readiness. He noted that the completion of the BML and RMEL6 qualifications enhances the safe operation and maintenance of vessels while raising professional standards across the involved agencies. Natuva also highlighted the course as an essential opportunity for capacity building, particularly for personnel who had yet to undertake such training.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji confirmed that the rigorous theoretical and practical training received by participants from the three agencies significantly boosts their abilities in conducting maritime patrols, achieving border protection, executing search and rescue missions, and coordinating maritime responses effectively.
Overall, this training initiative represents a pivotal move towards fortifying Fiji’s maritime security framework, ensuring its officers are better equipped to address challenges posed by illegal activities at sea.
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