Captain Mario's 37-Year Voyage

At 60, Filikesa Paolo Mario has become a familiar name among tourists enjoying the Whales Tale schooner cruises in the picturesque Mamanuca Islands.

Hailing from Noa'tau village in Rotu­ma, Mr Mario has captained the vessel for 37 years, holding a Master Class 4 qualification.

He joined the Whales Tale in 1983 after helping rebuild the vessel and began sailing in 1984 as a deckhand before working his way up to captain.

"It's the people that keep me moti­vated," Mr Mario said.

"Tourism is our number one. We do our best to serve everyone on board, and when the weather is good, every­one enjoys it."

The vessel, owned by American, Paul Myers, was first built in the 1970s by renowned boat builder Jack Morris in Savusavu.

After being towed to Suva in 1972, it operated cruises until 1978 before undergoing significant rebuilding in 1983.

Over the years, Mr Mario has seen the crew grow from six to nine mem­bers and witnessed the schooner shift its routes from inter-island and Pacific voyages, including trips to Hawaii and Tonga, to its current cruises between Port Denarau and Schooner Island.

Born and raised on Rotuma, Mr Mario attended Sumi Primary School and Rotuma High School before mov­ing to Viti Levu in 1982 for higher edu­cation.

He studied boat building at the Der­rick Institute (Former Fiji Institute of technology) and apprenticed at Whip­py's before joining the Whales Tale.

"I passed my master five at the Fiji School of Maritime in 1990 and com­pleted Master 4 in 2007," he said.

"I decided not to pursue further grades. This role and the company of tourists are enough for me."

Married for 37 years, Mr Mario has two sons, a daughter, and three grand­daughters.

Despite his lifelong passion for the sea, he has discouraged his children from following his path, citing the sac­rifices captains make during cyclone warnings.

"We must leave our families to en­sure the ship's safety," he said.

"That's not something I wanted for my children."

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj