Volau Shows Passion For Seafaring

It was a dream come true for 19-year-old Waisake Volau when he received his first certificate after graduating from the Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) on Friday.

Mr Volau was one of 18 students that graduated with a Certificate in Deck Hand Fishing Programme.

He hails from Muana-i-cake in Fulaga, Lau and has maternal links to Sabeto in Nadi.

“My uncle is a captain for a fishing vessel and he takes me with him when I was in high school,” Mr Volau said.

“For the past three years during school breaks I always joined him so when I was told about this course I grabbed the opportunity.

“I have learned a lot from my uncle and it was kind of easy when I started the course. The course taught me a lot of things which I will always apply when out at sea.”

Mr Volau said he could not wait to start his 12 months attachment.

“I am ready to go back to the sea so that I can apply what I have learned in the classroom. Learning it from experience and learning its theory side has really helped me understand things better,” he said.

“I am glad that I was given the opportunity to learn. After my attachment I will come back and learn so that I can become a captain one day.”

Edited by Percy Kean