LocationsCommunities Graduate as Fiji Strengthens Maritime Safety Through a Uniquely Fijian Partnership
July 14, 2026
Women from Raviravi Village, Beqa, are among the latest graduates of the Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki initiative, reflecting the growing participation of women in strengthening maritime safety and community resilience across Fiji.
Suva, Fiji – A uniquely Fijian approach to maritime safety and security is continuing to build momentum across the country, with more than 260 community members graduating from maritime safety and technical training on the islands of Vatulele and Beqa.
The graduation ceremonies marked another milestone for Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki, a community-based initiative grounded in the iTaukei principle of working together for the common good. The programme brings together Government agencies, the Vanua (traditional leadership and community), the Lotu (religion) relationship development partners and communities to strengthen maritime safety, security and resilience across Fiji's maritime communities.
After one and a half weeks of training, graduates received nationally recognised Boat Master Licence (BML) and Restricted Master Engineer Class 6 (RMEL6) certifications, alongside practical training in Yamaha outboard engine repair and maintenance in Vatulele and fibreglass boat repair and maintenance in Beqa.
By equipping coastal communities with the practical skills to safely operate, maintain and repair their boats, the programme helps families spend more time safely on the water while sustaining the livelihoods that depend on the sea. In turn, participating communities strengthen Fiji's maritime safety system by becoming the nation's "eyes and ears at sea"—reporting suspicious vessels, illegal activities, people in distress, maritime accidents and other incidents to the relevant authorities.
These qualifications equip community members with practical skills to operate and maintain vessels safely, while strengthening local capability and supporting livelihoods that depend on the sea.
Beyond the graduation of participants, the ceremonies also included the handover of toolboxes to young trainees and maritime safety kits, ensuring communities are equipped not only with new knowledge but also with practical resources to apply their skills and strengthen preparedness long after the training has ended.
The programme also strengthens community awareness of maritime safety and security by fostering closer collaboration between coastal communities and the national agencies responsible for keeping Fiji's waters safe. Through practical training, community engagement and stronger reporting pathways, Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki recognises that safer seas are achieved through shared responsibility.
Speaking at the graduation ceremonies, Fiji's Minister for Policing and Communications, Hon. Ioane Naivalurua, said the programme was about preparing communities for the future.
"Today is not the end of a training course, it is the beginning of a new journey," said Minister Naivalurua.
"Through Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki, we are investing in people who will help build safer communities and a stronger Fiji. The knowledge and skills gained today come with a responsibility to serve your communities, protect our maritime environment and inspire the next generation. This programme reflects our belief that lasting results are achieved when Government, the Vanua, the Lotu and our partners work together with a shared purpose."
Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Pacific Office; Hon. Ioane Naivalurua, Fiji's Minister for Policing and Communications; and H.E Michael Moody, Acting British High Commissioner to Fiji, take part in the handover of maritime safety equipment during the Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki graduation ceremony in Beqa.
Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with support from the Government of the United Kingdom, the initiative brings together the Ministry of Policing and Communications, Fiji Police Force, Republic of Fiji Navy, Fiji Revenue and Customs Service, Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, Ministry of Youth and Sports, CATD Nadave and provincial and community leaders in a coordinated approach to maritime safety and security.
Acting British High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E Michael Moody said the programme highlighted the value of long-term partnership.
"Today's graduates have gained practical skills that will help make journeys safer, strengthen livelihoods and build resilience within their communities," he said.
"The United Kingdom is proud to support this initiative through UNDP and the Government of Fiji because it demonstrates the value of partnership. By combining national leadership with community knowledge and action, we are helping build stronger maritime governance and safer, more resilient island communities for the future."
The initiative reflects the understanding that maritime safety and security cannot be achieved by one institution alone. By combining the expertise of multiple Government agencies with the leadership of the Vanua and Lotu, and the local knowledge of coastal communities, Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki is creating a coordinated approach that strengthens safety at sea while supporting resilient livelihoods and stronger community-government partnerships.
For UNDP, the programme demonstrates how stronger partnerships and practical skills can contribute to lasting development outcomes.
UNDP Pacific Deputy Resident Representative, Abduvakkos Abdurahmanov said the graduates were helping build stronger, safer and more resilient communities.
"Today's graduates have gained more than technical skills, they have strengthened their communities' capacity to stay safe at sea, protect livelihoods and remain connected to the services and opportunities they depend on," he said.
"For UNDP, this initiative is about lasting development. It is about building local capability, reducing vulnerability and ensuring communities have the knowledge and partnerships to respond to the realities of everyday life. That is only possible when Government, communities and development partners work together and learn from one another."
Since its launch in 2024, Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki has continued to expand across Fiji's maritime communities, creating a growing network of trained community maritime champions while strengthening awareness, preparedness and cooperation between communities and national authorities.
With more than 1,100 certified participants to date, the programme will next expand into Fiji's Northern Division, extending practical maritime training, community engagement and multi-agency collaboration to more coastal and island communities.
For the graduates of Vatulele and Beqa, the ceremonies marked more than the completion of a training programme. They marked the beginning of a shared commitment to safer seas, stronger communities and a more resilient Fiji.
To access image galleries for the graduation please click on the following links:
1. Vatulele Graduation - https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCYVef
2. Beqa Graduation - https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCYZ1R
For more information please contact:
Risiate Biudole I UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji I Communications Analyst I risiate.biudole@undp.org
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