The Fijian Navy together with the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) underwent a two weeks training on the use of the multibeam survey equipment at the Suva Harbour over the past two weeks.

Republic of Fiji Navy Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Timoci Natuva said this was part of the Fijian Na­vy’s hydrography training in famil­iarising themselves with modern survey equipment that were cur­rently being used by their counter­parts around the world.

“Before we used the single beam sonar equipment but now, we have encouraged the use of multibeam sonar in our survey vessels and thus we are conducting this train­ing to familiarise ourselves with its use,” Mr Natuva said.

“This training conducted by our two counterparts from UKHO will assist our staff on the maintenance and thorough use of the multibeam survey equipment,” he said.

He said the two weeks provided them with the opportunity to better acquaint themselves in the surveys using the multibeam sonar equip­ment.

“This multibeam sonar enhances the survey works, this equipment quicken the surveying of our wa­ters, we could even cut down days on which we carry out surveying with this new equipment.

“Eighteen officers from the Fiji Navy took part in this training exer­cise over a period of two weeks.

“We used the Fijian naval vessel Ikavuka during the training as it was fully equipped with surveying equipment’s.

“The Fiji Hydrographic office will continue to build its capability to enhance its capacity in supporting Fiji’s blue economy.”

The training concluded on Febru­ary 22, 2019 after the completion of the re-survey of the Suva Harbour approach. The other five Fiji naval vessels are: RFNS Kula, RFNS Ka­cau, RFNS Kikau and RFNS Lau­toka and RFNS Levuka.