Distance and the fact that Navua is quite some distance from Dreketi in Macuata, Vanua Levu did not deter Benjamin Robert Toy from traveling across to attend a training he now describes as ‘worth the effort and every dollar’.
A boat operator with no license, Mr Toy was eager to attend Boat Master Licence training (BML) but was unable to do so until he came across a post on social media.
“I was fortunate that while browsing through the Youth Ministry’s social media page I came across a post calling for interested youths in the Navua area and I knew that this was my calling also” explains Robert.
Joining 46 other young men and women from the greater Serua province, Robert took advantage of the Ministry of Youth and Sports’ organised training held at the Serua Provincial Council hall in Navua.
Navua based youth officer, Joseva Tuqiri, said the training attendance shows the demand for the training and the licence itself.
“The training will increase awareness on participants to know their responsibility and also allows them to comply with safety regulations at sea” he said.
“We are actually providing our youth an enabling environment that will help them comply with the provisions of the Maritime Transport Act and Safety Regulation Act, Small Craft Code and its subsidiary regulations together with other local and international applicable Acts and regulations” Mr Tuqiri further elaborates.
The training also enables the trainees to comply with safety regulations, ships’ survey, and engine survey and to ensure that all lifesaving apparatus on board is well within the Regulation as stipulated by MSAF.
Assisted by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji, the Ministry of Youth and Sports is actively involved in providing funding and logistical support for the youths across the country in the facilitation of boat master’s licence training which has received praise from participants.
“I am very happy to be part of this male dominated training and I believe as young women that I can do better than any young man present today. I thank the Ministry of Youth and Sports for bringing such training to our door step. It really helps” says Nazat Nisha, a young woman of Tokotoko, Navua.
Addressing the youth during the closing of the weeklong training, Ministry of Youth and Sports’ Divisional Manager Central, Iowane Soko, reminded participants on the usefulness of the training.
“This training will allow you to understand the importance of the MSAF Act and safety at sea and ensure that boat operators operate within the confines of maritime regulations and laws and follow procedures, requirements to avoid mishaps causing loss of lives” Mr Soko said.
“In organising this workshop we are creating pathways for young people and instilling in you a sense of responsibility towards safety at sea and the wellbeing of your crew and passengers.”
“This is the role of the Ministry which is to empower you, the young people of this country, to become an active citizen with a better prospect in life” Mr Soko said.
Mr Soko also acknowledged the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji for their continued support in training youths around the country.