Fijivillage
7 February, 2026, 10:18 am
Central - 26°C Clouds
7 February, 2026, 10:18 am Central - 26°C Clouds

Fiji strengthens maritime safety as 70 officers gain Boat Master Certification

Fiji strengthens maritime safety as 70 officers gain Boat Master Certification

By Pita Toganivalu
07/02/2026
As maritime safety and security remain a national priority, 70 officers from key maritime and law enforcement agencies have graduated from the nationally accredited Boat Master Licence Course, strengthening Fiji’s maritime safety and security efforts.
While officially closing the course at the Stanley Brown Naval Base, Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs Pio Tikoduadua highlighted the importance of the programme in helping Fiji monitor and protect its maritime space.
Tikoduadua says Fiji’s economy, security and daily life are heavily dependent on safe and well-managed seas.
The graduates include 50 officers from the Fiji Navy Small Boat Squadron, 10 officers from the Fiji Police Force Water Police, and 10 officers from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).
This marks the second intake of the programme, bringing the total number of certified Boat Masters to 110.


Insert: A very important course 6th Feb 26 



He says Fiji’s maritime domain is its most critical national security space.


The Minister commends strong inter-agency cooperation in the joint training programme, adding that such collaboration is vital to tackle transnational crime, drug trafficking and other emerging threats.


He reiterates that law enforcement remains the responsibility of civil authorities, with the Navy playing an operational support role at sea.


Tikoduadua reminds graduates that Boat Masters must act with confidence, speed and responsibility—especially when safeguarding Fiji’s maritime borders and communities from illegal activity.


He also thanks international partners including the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, Australia, the UNDP and Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji for their continued support through training, equipment and donated assets such as rigid inflatable boats.


He urges agencies to make greater use of the Maritime Essential Services Centre to improve coordination at sea.


The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its strong support for Fiji’s maritime security efforts during a ceremony marking the graduation of 65 personnel with Master Boat Licences.


UK Defence Advisor Lieutenant Colonel Sophie Waters says the UK’s support is aligned with Fiji’s national security priorities and guided by a partnership approach—not external solutions.



She says as small island nations both the UK and Fiji share a deep reliance on and responsibility for maritime safety.


Waters highlights the UK’s collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme in supporting Fiji’s Maritime Security Strategy.


FEATURE NEWS
PM summons Saukuru for meeting on NZ trip and matters regarding Sports Council
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka has summoned Minister for Sports, Jese Saukuru to a one-on-one meeting in light of the questions raised about the New ...
14 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Learn from elders or risk early death, Health Minister warns youth
Young people must learn from the mistakes of their elders or face continuing Fiji’s growing non-communicable disease (NCD) crisis.This stark ...
46 minutes ago

Fiji National Blood Service calls for blood donors in Nakasi
The Fiji National Blood Service, in partnership with the Sathya Sai Service Organisation of Fiji, is urging the public to “share some liquid ...
55 minutes ago

Unknown Michelangelo sketch sells for £16.9m at auction
A previously unknown sketch attributed to Renaissance master Michelangelo has sold for £16.9 million (over FJ$51 million) at auction, more than ten ...
1 hour ago

Fiji strengthens maritime safety as 70 officers gain Boat Master Certification
As maritime safety and security remain a national priority, 70 officers from key maritime and law enforcement agencies have graduated from the ...
1 hour ago

Apisalome Tamani appointed Acting CEO of Fiji Bureau of Statistics
Apisalome Tamani has been appointed Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Fiji Bureau of Statistics, effective Wednesday.Tamani, who currently serves ...
2 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
22 hours ago

Barbara Malimali, former Attorney General Graham Leung and lawyers Wylie Clarke and Laurel Vaurasi's counsels made submissions for leave to apply for judicial review of the Commission of Inquiry into Malimali's appointment as FICAC Commissioner
The application for leave for the judicial review has been made by former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, former Attorney General Graham Leung ...
1 day ago

Malimali’s legal battle against President, PM and AG
Another legal battle starts today as sacked FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali takes her matter to court against the President, Prime Minister and ...
2 days ago

TOP