Kadavu, Fiji - Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are stepping into new leadership roles at sea; graduating as certified boat operators under the ‘Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki: Matanitu, Vanua kei na Lotu’ model.

A total of 132 participants completed the training in Solotavui Village, including 45 women, 64 youth, and 2 persons with disabilities, alongside 87 male participants. Of these, 124 received Boat Master Licences (BML) and eight qualified for Restricted Master/Engineer Class 6 (RME6) certificates.

The training, delivered by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji with support from the Fiji Navy, Fiji Police Force, Fiji Revenue & Customs Service, and the Kadavu Provincial Council, was coordinated by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and supported by the United Kingdom.

For many, this training is life-changing.

“This licence gives me confidence and independence,” said Anaseini Keteca, representative of the Drue Women’s Club. “I now fully understand the importance of having the necessary equipments on the boat, and how to use them as it will save lives.”

The graduation ceremony was opened with a traditional welcome from Tui Nakasa, chief of the Nakasaleka District where the graduates reside or are from, reaffirming the importance of partnership between the vanua, church, and state in safeguarding Kadavu’s seas.

Fiji’s Minister for Policing, Hon. Ioane Naivalurua, who addressed graduates in Solotavui, reminded the community:

“Enforcement alone is not enough as security must be rooted in livelihoods and communities. This training is empowerment in action. As licensed boat masters and engineers, you will now become the eyes and ears at sea, trusted to rebuild, restore, and inspire others to step forward.”

British High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency, Kanbar Hossein-Bor, emphasised the United Kingdom’s commitment:

“Like Fiji, the UK is a maritime nation, and we are proud to support Fiji in upholding maritime governance and law. By supporting Fiji’s communities to lead at sea, we are not only helping to secure maritime safety, but also strengthening resilience, livelihoods, and unity against shared threats. This partnership shows what can be achieved when authorities and communities work together, and when nations stand together.”

UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative, Munkhtuya Altangerel, added:

“National security begins with communities, and it is here, in villages such as those in Kadavu, that this important work takes root. By ensuring safe transport, reliable energy, secure markets, and connected villages, we give every family the chance to thrive.”

The nationwide Boat Master training curriculum goes beyond seamanship alone. Maritime Security and Maritime Vigilance modules are now fully infused into the training, ensuring every licensed boat master is equipped to recognize and report threats such as transnational crime, illegal fishing, and unsafe maritime practices. This approach places coastal communities at the forefront of Fiji’s national security architecture. By integrating vigilance into the curriculum, graduates are empowered to act as the “eyes and ears at sea,” strengthening awareness and supporting government agencies in safeguarding Fiji’s maritime domain — not through confrontation, but through informed vigilance and timely reporting.

The Solesolevaki ni Veitaqomaki programme, launched in 2024, integrates government, traditional leadership, and community networks to strengthen maritime vigilance.  

Since its inception, almost 600 operators in Fiji have now been certified, with rising participation from women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

The training was held from 25-29 August.

For more information please contact:

Risiate Biudole, Communications Analyst, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, risiate.biudole@undp.org