The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) met with the New Zealand High Commission to discuss the current scholarship, via NZ Aid, for MSAF staff to study at the New Zealand Maritime School.

The meeting took place  last month in Suva.

“This is one of several initiatives undertaken by MSAF to upskill its staff to increase the quality of service to an international level. I would like to thank the New Zealand High Commission for assisting MSAF in its capacity building programme which will assist the MSAF in implementing its national and international obligations under the IMO treaties that Fijiis a signatory to,” said MSAF chief executive officer, John Tunidau.

This training would benefit the shipping industry and give valuable experience for MSAF and Fiji. The training is effective and of high standard and helps ensure that Fiji has trained personnel to regulate the industry. Two MSAF staff have so far been awarded the scholarship to study in New Zealand.

Captain Samuela Bulimetuira is currently in the process of attaining his Master Class 1 Certificate while Semiti Tomasi is completing the Engineering Class 1/2 course in New Zealand Maritime School.

Two more staff are earmarked to commence study in 2017/2018 through this programme.

The New Zealand High Commission has already provided MSAF/Fiji with Oil Spill Cleaning Equipment worth approximately 1.2 million and continued discussions is under way between  on other similar capacity building assistance.