FMA receives lifeboat worth $80,000 for cadet training

Good news for students of Fiji Maritime Academy as they received a lifeboat worth $80,000 from Swire Shipping that will train cadets in vital safety and survival skills.

Pacific Islands Swire Shipping Regional Manager, Alex Pattison says the lifeboat is an integral part of the equipment used to train cadets.

Pattison says they are so proud to see that this boat will be put to good use, and will serve FMA and aspiring cadets well for the next 25 years.

Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau says it is very important to up-skill our young generation who are studying in this institution.

Ro Filipe says more than 80% of goods are carried by sea.

He says the government needs to work together to deal with the technical skills of people who are leaving our country.

FNU Chancellor and Council Chair, Semesa Karavaki acknowledge Swire Shipping and the government for their support in the education of our young seafarers.

Karavaki hopes that this form of help will continue for years to come.

The lifeboat is called the Laucala Chief, and it can cater for 16 seafarers.