Young islander sets sail with marine certificate

For 23-year-old Don Uluibau, stepping across the stage to receive his maritime certificate was more than a graduation it marked the start of a lifelong dream.

Mr Uluibau was one of 18 graduates of the Deckhand Fishing Mini Programme, hosted by the Pacific Centre for Marine Studies (PCMS) at its Nasese Campus in Suva yesterday.

He hails from Udu, Totoya in Lau, with maternal links to Moala, Maloku.

Village life, he said, taught him patience, discipline, and a deep respect for the ocean.

But from a young age, he aspired to more than admiring the waveshe wanted to sail them.

"I always had my eyes on the Maritime Academy," he said.

"God's plan is always different. Now, open seas is in my bucket." Like many young men from remote islands, Mr Uluibau faced challenges-distance, limited resources, and moments of doubt.

He credits his family's unwavering support for seeing him through.

"The journey was not easy, but I thank my family for always standing by me."

Now with training complete, Mr Uluibau is ready to navigate the open seas, armed with knowledge, determination, and a heart anchored by his roots.

He hopes to return one day to Totoya- not just as a sailor, but as a role model for young people with dreams beyond the horizon.

From the sandy shores of Totoya to the vast Pacific Ocean, Mr Uluibau's journey is a reminder that no dream is out of reach when the heart is steady and the will is strong.

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