'Every setback can become a stepping stone': Captain Robanakadavu shares journey from failure to success

When Tevita Robanakadavu failed the Fiji Junior Examination in 1974, he thought his future had slipped away.

More than 50 years later, the 67-year-old is one of Fiji's most accomplished seafarers, a Master Mariner Class 1 and a mentor who has spent more than three decades shaping the country's future maritime professionals.

With only a Class 8 pass, Capt Robanakadavu said he faced an uncertain future with few opportunities.

"I had no assets and no certainty about what the future held," he recalled.

Instead of allowing failure to define him, he chose to use it as motivation.

Captain Tevita Robanakadavu with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Supplied.

"Every setback can become a stepping stone with determination, faith and hard work," he said.

Today, Capt Robanakadavu hopes his story will inspire young Fijians who believe one setback will determine the rest of their lives.

"I have shared my life journey and experiences for many years as a testimony to my maritime students during my lectures and through my Facebook posts," he said.

"However, I realised they have only reached a limited audience. I now believe it is time to share my story with the wider public so more people, especially young Fijians, can learn that setbacks do not have to determine their future."

A second chance

After failing the Fiji Junior Examination, Capt Robanakadavu searched for another pathway.

In 1976, he joined the Government Shipyard as a Shipwright Apprentice and attended the Derrick Technical Institute, which later became the Fiji Institute of Technology (FIT) in 1977 and is now part of the Fiji National University (FNU).

He graduated with a Craft Certificate in Shipbuilding in 1979 before completing an Advanced Certificate in Shipbuilding in 1980.

From 1981 to 1987, he worked as a shipwright before joining the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Auxiliary Maritime Unit.

In 1988, he entered Recruit Intake 1/88 at the Army Training Group. Although he expected his military career would eventually take him to the Middle East, he believes life had other plans.

"God had a different plan for my life. Instead, He opened the door for me to become a professional seafarer and eventually a ship captain," he said.

Sponsored by the RFMF, he completed a three-year Diploma in Nautical Science at the Fiji Institute of Technology's School of Maritime Studies, including extensive local and overseas sea service before qualifying with a Class 3 Master/Watchkeeper Certificate of Competency.

Around the world

Capt Robanakadavu's career at sea took him across the Pacific and around the world.

Beginning as a deck cadet aboard MV Yaubula and MV Cagidonu, he steadily progressed through the ranks, serving as Third Officer, Second Officer and Chief Officer before becoming Master of MV Southern Express in 2005.

He later captained Reef Nauru and Southern Phynix.

Along the way, he continued upgrading his qualifications, earning a Class 1 Mate Foreign Going Certificate of Competency through the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in 1998 and a Master Class 1 Foreign Going Certificate of Competency through Maritime New Zealand in 2004.

"I am proud of all my achievements because each one represents the hard work, commitment and determination I gave to complete it successfully," he said.

Passing on his knowledge

After years at sea, Capt Robanakadavu turned to teaching.

He joined the School of Maritime Studies in 1993 as an assistant lecturer in Shipbuilding and Nautical Science before serving as Head of Department for Nautical Science, senior lecturer and Head of the School of Maritime Studies.

From April 2013, he returned to Fiji National University as Principal Lecturer.

Between January 2024 and February 2025, he served as Acting Director of the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies before returning to his current role as Principal Lecturer.

His teaching contract is expected to continue until 2029, when he turns 70.

For Capt Robanakadavu, his greatest achievement is helping others succeed.

Returning home

After decades sailing across the Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and North America, Capt Robanakadavu has decided where he wants to spend his retirement.

He is returning home to Tavuki, Kadavu.

"Despite all our travels, our hearts always remained in Tavuki. It is our home, where our roots, family, culture and traditions are," he said.

Retirement, he said, will not mean stepping away from service.

"I retire not to rest from serving, but to serve my people in a different way," he said.

He hopes to use his experience to support social, educational and economic development in Kadavu, with a particular focus on expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) opportunities.

Capt Robanakadavu plans to work with Kadavu schools, Fiji National University's TVET School and Pacific Polytech to help students and parents learn more about vocational programmes, scholarships and career pathways.

Message to young Fijians

Capt Robanakadavu, who has six children and 15 grandchildren, believes success requires more than academic ability.

He encourages young people to respect their parents and elders, avoid alcohol, smoking and drugs, remain committed to education, save money, maintain good health and always put safety first.

"A maritime career can take you around the world and provide a rewarding future," he said.

"With discipline, integrity and perseverance, you can achieve your dreams and make your family and your country proud."

Looking back on the journey that began with failure, Capt Robanakadavu remains grateful.

He believes his life proves that circumstances do not determine a person's future.

"I am proud to be a son of Tavuki, proud to be a Kadavuan, proud to be a Fijian, and forever grateful to Almighty God."