Naisilasila Abides by Rules For Everyone’s Safety
Owning a boat serves more than one task to any family in Malolo in the Yasawa group.
For Sekove Naisilasila apart from family obligations his vessel also provides transportation to those who need it.
“Most of the families in my village have a vessel as it is our means of transportation, fishing and diving for our sustenance and extra money,” Mr Naisilasila said.
“I used to work at the Plantation Resort but now that I have my own vessel.
“I am my own boss and running my own transportation business between the islands and Denarau,” he said.
“To most of those living in the Yasawas the Jet Point supermarket in Denarau is convenient because of its proximity.”
Mr Naisilasila, 31 also does errands for those who give him cash to do their shopping and then deliver back the goods.
He said, “This is my family boat and I always transport my family for shopping here at Jet point in Nadi.
It is easier for us to anchor our vessel here at Wailoaloa because the supermarket is just nearby.”
“It is hard for us to anchor the vessel at Denarau because Nadi Town is a bit too far and the fare to load our shopping in a vehicle is a bit expensive.
“This boat is of great assistance to my family.
Sometimes some of the villagers hire the boat and it cost $200 dollars to hire.
That money helps me to support my family.
He said vessels that carry passengers from the Malolo Island observe the rules and regulations of sailing vessels.
“This is good for the safety of our passengers and captains,” he said.
“Some boats do not have a license. Here in Nadi, especially in Marina Boat club, they are very strict with all the boat captains who sail the boat.
They check to make sure everyone sailing a vessel has the licence.”
“We always take heed of weather warning.
If there is a warning been given from the weather office, we cease all our operations, he said.
Mr Naisilasila is originally from Solevu Village on Malolo Island and lives there with his family.
He is married with four children.
He had attended Malolo Primary school and his secondary education at Nadi College.
He had also attended School of Maritime at the Fiji National University.
