Kadavu marks a milestone as 125 residents graduate with maritime licenses, signaling a bold step toward safer seas and stronger local livelihoods
A total of 125 participants from Solotavui Village, Kadavu, have graduated with maritime licenses, including 119 Boat Master Licenses and six Restricted Master Engineer Class 6 certificates. For the first time, women, youth, and persons with disabilities stepped into leadership roles at the helm, becoming certified operators and boosting Kadavu’s push for safer, more resilient seas.
The training was delivered by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) in partnership with the Republic of Fiji Navy, Fiji Police Force, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, and the Kadavu Provincial Council. Coordination came from the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, with support from the United Kingdom under the Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki: Matanitu, Vanua kei na Lotu model.
Speaking at the graduation, the Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua described the program as empowerment in action, noting that licensed boat masters and engineers are now trusted eyes and ears at sea, essential to rebuilding and inspiring their communities. The British High Commissioner, His Excellency Kanbar Hossein-Bor, commended the initiative, highlighting the UK’s role in helping Fijian communities lead at sea to improve maritime safety and resilience across the region.
This graduation sits within a broader national effort to grow maritime capacity in Kadavu and Fiji. Across Kadavu in recent years, hundreds of operators have been licensed through partnerships involving MSAF, UNDP, and international supporters, illustrating a sustained investment in safety, compliance, and local livelihoods. The current cohort from Solotavui underscores progress toward gender-inclusive participation and greater youth engagement in maritime activities, with women increasingly taking on roles once dominated by men.
Beyond licensing, such programs have included distributing essential safety equipment—life jackets, first aid kits, oars, and fire extinguishers—to communities, strengthening safety on local waters and supporting broader community welfare. As more residents gain formal qualifications, opportunities in boat operations, coastal transport, and related services are expected to rise, contributing to the resilience and growth of Kadavu’s maritime economy.
This milestone reflects a hopeful, community-driven approach to maritime development in Fiji, reinforcing safer seas, strengthened livelihoods, and inclusive participation in the country’s maritime future. The ongoing collaborations between MSAF, UNDP, and international partners signal a sustained commitment to empowering Kadavu’s people and expanding the region’s maritime capabilities.
What this means for Kadavu
– Enhanced safety and regulatory compliance across local sea transport
– Expanded employment opportunities in boat operations, coastal services, and maintenance
– Greater inclusion of women and people with disabilities in skilled maritime roles
– Continued partnerships that blend government, international organizations, and community leadership to build resilience at sea
In the months ahead, Kadavu is expected to see continued training initiatives under the same Solesolevaki framework, reinforcing safety, livelihoods, and youth empowerment for Fiji’s maritime communities. This progress offers a hopeful trajectory for safer seas and stronger, more inclusive coastal economies.
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