24 Fijians from Volivoli Beach Resort in Rakiraki are now officially licensed and qualified boat captains within their communities after successfully completing their training that is focused on the Boat Masters License (BML) and Restricted Masters of Engineer Class 6 (RME6) certifications.
The training was conducted by officers from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF).
MSAF says license holders also carry the responsibility to ensure that they comply with the safety requirements and standards required of them.
MSAF Deck-Surveyor George Vulakoro emphasized that the two core functions of MSAF are to ensure that all boat operators are certified and marine vessels are registered and surveyed.
Vulakoro says that the training will help young Fijians occupy their time wisely and keep them away from the criminal activities that have been prevalent in the news lately.
The certification ceremony was attended by Tui Navitilevu Ratu Emori Bolobolo, who personally handed over the certificates and licenses to the newly trained boat captains.
This training initiative is part of MSAF’s ongoing commitment to enhancing maritime safety and empowering local communities with the necessary skills and qualifications to operate vessels safely. The newly certified boat captains are now well-equipped to contribute to the safe and efficient maritime operations in their area.
