More than 100 villagers from Solotavui, Kadavu, have graduated with Boat Master Licenses and Restricted Engineer Class 6 certificates, marking a significant milestone for maritime empowerment and community resilience in Fiji’s island communities.
The ceremony, held on Friday, 29 August, was led by the Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua, and attended by the British High Commissioner to Fiji, HE Kanbar Hossein-Bor, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Resident Representative, Ms. Munkhtuya Altangerel Tuya. Naivalurua praised the graduates for enhancing maritime safety, expanding economic opportunities, and strengthening resilience in remote areas. He noted that the training aligns with the government’s broader effort to equip Fijians with in-demand maritime skills that support both livelihoods and security in the country’s maritime provinces.
The event also served as the culmination of Naivalurua’s Kadavu tour, during which he reiterated the government’s commitment to skills development as a key driver of livelihoods and safety at sea. This graduation sits within a wider national push to grow maritime capacity across Kadavu and Fiji, where similar licensure programs have already empowered hundreds of boat operators in recent years. In Kadavu alone, programs modeled after international partnerships have licensed more than 210 boat operators, underscoring a sustained investment in safety, compliance, and local livelihoods.
The ongoing push is driven by collaborations among the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), UNDP, and regional partners, with support from the United Kingdom government. These efforts often emphasize community-driven approaches to maritime security, linking training with local leadership networks and youth engagement to foster safer navigation and stronger regulatory compliance. The programs have increasingly welcomed diverse participants, including women, who are entering roles in maritime activities that were once dominated by men, reflecting broader strides toward gender-inclusive opportunities in Fiji’s maritime sector.
Beyond licensure, similar initiatives have included distributing essential safety equipment to communities—such as life jackets, first aid kits, oars, and fire extinguishers—to support safer sea journeys and community welfare.
This milestone in Solotavui signals not only individual achievement but also broader economic and safety benefits for Kadavu’s maritime economy. As more residents gain formal qualifications, opportunities for employment in boat operations, coastal transport, and related services are likely to rise, contributing to community resilience and regional growth.
Summary: The Kadavu graduation embodies a growing national movement to empower coastal communities through maritime training, partnerships with UNDP and international partners, and government support, enhancing safety, livelihoods, and inclusive participation in Fiji’s maritime future.
A hopeful note: This success story reinforces the path toward safer seas, stronger local economies, and more inclusive opportunities for all who rely on Fiji’s waters.
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