Locations127 Rotuman’s Certified Under Boatmaster Licence Training to Strengthen Safety at Sea
October 31, 2025
The Boatmaster and Restricted Master Engineer 6 training, is a milestone that strengthens maritime safety, resilience, and livelihoods across the island.
Oinafa, Rotuma, Fiji - Communities, elders, and young people from all seven districts of Rotuma came together this week to celebrate the graduation of 127 participants who successfully completed the Boatmaster and Restricted Master Engineer 6 training, a milestone that strengthens maritime safety, resilience, and livelihoods across the island.
Delivered through a partnership between the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, the Fiji Police Force, the Republic of the Fiji Navy, the Fiji Revenue Customs Authority and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and supported by the Government of the United Kingdom, the training forms part of the Maritime Security Project under Fiji’s National Security Strategy.
The project is implemented under the Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki model, a community-based approach that promotes shared responsibility between government, security agencies, and local communities to ensure safer seas and stronger maritime governance.
British High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Kanbar Hossein Bor reassured graduates stating:
“It is an honour to be the latest British High Commissioner to Fiji to have been invited here, marking the latest chapter in the UK’s relationship with Rotuma, which has been ever strengthening for nearly 150 years since 1881.”
“Your achievement today is not only a personal milestone but a contribution to the safety and prosperity of your island. You are now stewards of the sea, and your leadership will be vital in protecting your people and your environment,” His Excellency Bor added.
Deputy Secretary of Defence, Ms Sainitiki Ravuso said:
“Through this initiative, the Ministry of Defence is building stronger connections between communities and the nation's maritime security system, ensuring that every journey, every operator, and every island contributes to the safety of the island.
Chairman of the Rotuma Council, Gagaj Samuela Manav was highly appreciative of the training being brought to the island:
“It has always been a big challenge for us to access such opportunities from here. The training has not only equipped our people with vital maritime skills but also strengthened our community’s capacity to protect lives and support safe travel between our districts.”
The British High Commission’s support also included the handover of essential maritime safety equipment to strengthen community-led efforts in ensuring safe travel, livelihoods, and protection of the marine environment.
Over 660 individuals, including women, youths and people with disabilities across Fiji’s maritime regions have received certification through this training programme, equipping island communities with the knowledge and confidence to respond to emergencies, strengthen inter-island transport, and uphold a culture of safety at sea.
UNDP remains committed to working hand in hand with the Government of Fiji, the British High Commission, and the people of Rotuma to build safer, more resilient maritime communities, ensuring that no island is left behind in the journey toward secure and sustainable livelihoods.
For more information please contact:
Risiate Biudole, Communications Analyst, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, risiate.biudole@undp.org
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