Adreu Niudamu, the chief marine engineer at South Sea Towage Limited (SSTL), emphasizes the importance of strong values and hard work in achieving career success. Reflecting on his journey from starting as a watchman to his current leadership role, Niudamu highlights that honesty and dedication have been key factors in his progression.

Having served the company for 23 years, Niudamu witnessed its transformation from Marine Pacific to SSTL. His journey included humble beginnings, with experiences such as scrubbing toilets and assisting welders, which equipped him with foundational skills. Niudamu recalls a pivotal moment when he was offered a chance to work on a ship due to a shortage of crew members. This opportunity allowed him to learn essential skills from seasoned engineers, solidifying his passion for marine work.

Throughout his career, Niudamu faced challenges, including leadership changes and moments of doubt about his future with the company. However, his faith and commitment to his role inspired him to persevere. He maintains that sharing knowledge with the next generation of workers is crucial, emphasizing that building a legacy encompasses mentoring others.

Niudamu’s dedication extends to his own children, encouraging them to embrace hard work and learn through experience. He reflects on his son’s journey and plans to have him begin his maritime career from the ground up, just as he did.

In a similar vein, Divesh Chandra, a young marine engineer, also shares how perseverance and dedication to one’s craft can yield significant rewards. Chandra’s experience in overcoming skepticism surrounding his career choice and his journey from being an apprentice to an accomplished professional in marine engineering echoes Niudamu’s beliefs about resilience and mentorship in the maritime industry.

These narratives exemplify not only the personal achievements within the marine field but also the broader themes of hard work, mentorship, and community that enrich the maritime profession in Fiji.

Overall, the stories of Niudamu and Chandra provide a hopeful outlook on the potential for professional growth through dedication and core values, inspiring future generations to pursue their ambitions in marine careers.