Taslim To Improve Seafarers’ Welfare

Fiji National University (FNU) staff member, Mohammed Taslim, 33, aspires to develop the welfare of Fijian seafarers.

He is working towards becoming part of the Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) academic team.

The FMA executive officer and part-time lecturer of the Maritime Law unit said it is his goal of transition from being a support staff to being directly involved in teaching students.

“Being the EO at FMA and at the same time getting involved in teaching cadets and senior officers is a demanding profession to be involved in,” he said..

“I would like to join the Academic team on a full-time basis and complete my PhD in Maritime Law so I can contribute to developing the welfare of Fijian seafarers. My goal in life is to be a respected person who people see as a role model.”

As a lecturer for the TVET unit, Mr Taslim said there should be more focus on TVET compared to higher education regionally and internationally.

“Looking at the maritime industry, seafarers earn a lot, and that money is brought to our country when they sail on foreign ships, contributing significantly towards our economy,” he said.

Originally from Tuvurara Estate, Savusavu, Taslim has two children and is married to Misbah Tahenat Tasneem, who is a teacher by profession.

“My father was a priest at the Tabia Mosque for 33 years, and I came to Suva after completing my secondary school at Labasa College to further my education,” he said.

“I come from an average family and I’m proud to have my parents staying with me – it’s a huge blessing.

“I also have an older sister and a younger brother.”

Education

Mr Taslim attained his Master in Maritime Affairs (Education and Training) from World Maritime University (WMU), Malmo in Sweden, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Climate Change and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from the University of the South Pacific. He recently revalidated his Boat Master Licence (BML) Certificate of Competency.

“Maritime is a specialised area like Medicine and Aviation. I did my Masters in Maritime Affairs so that I can better understand the operations and legal aspects of the Maritime Industry,” Mr Taslim said.

“I am involved in many things related to maritime and every day there is something new to learn that I could then impart to my students.”

Source: Fiji National University

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