Training to help expand maritime safety knowledge

Strengthening her knowledge of maritime safety practices to avoid accidents at sea is important for local fisherwoman Emelina Toga.

Mrs. Toga is one of the oldest participants among 150 others have trained as boat captains at the Seafarers Center in Walu Bay.

She is also one of only five participants present at the training.

Facilitated by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), the two-week course will provide participants with certification on the Boat Captain’s License and after that Class Six Restricted Master Engineer License.

Prior to the training, she was not well versed in various maritime security practices.

“I didn’t know much about safety practices at sea but this training helped me understand these practices.” she says.

After the training, Mrs. Toga plans to buy a fiber boat and a motor to put into practice everything she learned from the training.

MSAF Captain Viliame Loganimoce said the Fijian government had helped fund the training to help develop the maritime industry.

He said that over the years local seafarers in the sea areas had the knowledge and experience in seafaring but lacked the qualifications.

Boat captain license training and the restricted sixth class of master engineer are offered at the Fiji Maritime Academy at Fiji National University.

“Some of these participants wish to further their qualification but do not have the necessary funds, that is why the government is offering these trainings so that the participants can obtain the certificates they need to command a boat,” he said. declared.

At the end of the two weeks of training, participants will receive two certificates.

Mr Loganimoce said there were no age or gender restrictions for attending the training which is free.

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