The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) conducted a week long boat master training for 60 residents in Kadavu and 30 residents on Rotuma on 7th December 2016. The training was part of ongoing initiatives to ensure seafarers receive proper Maritime Training and enable compliance with the maritime legislations.

“This training ensures that people living in the outer islands and rural areas owning or operating boats, which in many cases is difficult to reach, have access to essential Maritime Training and are well informed of applicable rules when travelling out to sea,”Mr Tunidau said.

Boat masters were trained on the use of LSAs, survival training, boat and engine maintenance, legislative requirements and other essential skills required when out at sea.

MSAF (formerly known as FIMSA) has been training boat masters for the past 12 years as part of its social obligation to the rural communities and to enable boat owners/operators especially in our rural and remote communities comply with the requirements of the maritime legislationssaid MSAF CEO, John Tunidau.

MSAF has trained more than 1,7000 boat owners/operators positive feedback have been received from MSAF participant, who have secured employment with resorts as a result of receiving the boat masters and class 6 master/engineer restricted license training.

Boat master training is currently underway in Navitilevu, Ra and Yanuca, Serua.