Suva, 18 October 2017 – Training on Boat Master License (BML), Restricted Class 6 licence and safety procedures while on water is currently being facilitated by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Totoya, Lau.

50 participants are currently undergoing the two week training which will conclude on 26 October 2017.

The training will sensitize the participants on the laws and regulations on maritime safety and procedures ensuring they are law abiding citizens operating at sea with the proper licence.

The training also aims to empower young people and sensitise them through information on risk at sea and its management.

Mr Tauyavu Marawa, a participant attending the training, said: “it is indeed an important training for us and I would like to thank the MSAF and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for bringing the training to Lau. This training will prepare us to have the required skill and will assist us in mitigating potential risks while at sea.”

Similar sentiments were shared by Mr Gerald Arlene “I dropped out from sixth form because I couldn’t get through to the seventh form,” he said. “The training opens the door to Maritime school where I can expand my knowledge in order to gain employment.”

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Laisenia Tuitubou, commented “people from rural provinces such as Lau use the sea as a means of transportation and income generation on a daily basis and hence it becomes imperative that they are aware of the laws and regulations on maritime safety and procedures.”

“We have been continuously identifying areas that are in need of such training and with continuous collaboration from other stakeholders such as MSAF, we continue to deliver training to such remote areas.”

The Ministry of Youth and Sports plays an active role in ensuring that proper training is administered and that the recommended output is achieved on completion of the training.