Two cousins from Nasilai Village in Rewa celebrated a significant achievement on Friday as they were among 65 graduates who received their Boat Master Licences at the Stanley Brown Naval Base in Walu Bay, Suva. Warrant Officer Class One Filipe Naiveli and Able Seaman Samuela Naiveli completed a rigorous one-week program that commenced on February 2, which focused on essential knowledge required for boat master licences and restricted master qualifications.
Samuela, who has served in the Republic of Fiji Navy for seven years, expressed his pride in obtaining the nationally accredited certificate. He remarked on the privilege of earning the boat master credential, which will allow graduates to operate vessels measuring less than 15 meters in length. “For the first three months, we will be allowed to take a boat less than 15 meters long. After that, we can operate boats up to 15 nautical miles from shore under the restricted master qualification,” he stated.
The training has been essential in preparing the graduates for operational duties, not just within Fiji’s waters but also beyond. “It’s very helpful because we didn’t have a boat master before; we are the second lot to graduate and receive this licence,” Samuela noted. He embraced the coursework, explaining that it was not overly challenging since many of the lessons aligned closely with their daily tasks, acting primarily as a refresher of their fundamental skills.
With this new qualification, the cousins are set to enhance their capacity in assisting with patrol operations at naval bases across the North, West, and Central divisions of Fiji. Their achievement marks an important step in strengthening the capabilities of the Fiji Navy, showcasing dedication to professional development and commitment to safeguarding national waters.
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