While officially closing the course at the Stanley Brown Naval Base, Minister for Defence and Veterans Affairs Pio Tikoduadua highlighted the importance of the programme in helping Fiji monitor and protect its maritime space.
Tikoduadua says Fiji’s economy, security and daily life are heavily dependent on safe and well-managed seas.
The graduates include 50 officers from the Fiji Navy Small Boat Squadron, 10 officers from the Fiji Police Force Water Police, and 10 officers from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS).
This marks the second intake of the programme, bringing the total number of certified Boat Masters to 110.
Insert: A very important course 6th Feb 26
He says Fiji’s maritime domain is its most critical national security space.
The Minister commends strong inter-agency cooperation in the joint training programme, adding that such collaboration is vital to tackle transnational crime, drug trafficking and other emerging threats.
He reiterates that law enforcement remains the responsibility of civil authorities, with the Navy playing an operational support role at sea.
Tikoduadua reminds graduates that Boat Masters must act with confidence, speed and responsibility—especially when safeguarding Fiji’s maritime borders and communities from illegal activity.
He also thanks international partners including the United Kingdom, United States, Japan, Australia, the UNDP and Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji for their continued support through training, equipment and donated assets such as rigid inflatable boats.
He urges agencies to make greater use of the Maritime Essential Services Centre to improve coordination at sea.
The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its strong support for Fiji’s maritime security efforts during a ceremony marking the graduation of 65 personnel with Master Boat Licences.
UK Defence Advisor Lieutenant Colonel Sophie Waters says the UK’s support is aligned with Fiji’s national security priorities and guided by a partnership approach—not external solutions.
She says as small island nations both the UK and Fiji share a deep reliance on and responsibility for maritime safety.
Waters highlights the UK’s collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme in supporting Fiji’s Maritime Security Strategy.
