Tamanikaisawa Sets New Course
Noeli Tamanikaisawa is venturing into a new path after graduating from the Fiji National University (FNU) Deckhand Fishing Programme on Friday. He was among the 15 students who graduated with a Certificate in Basic Sea Safety- Fishing Vessel at the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies Campus at Laucala Bay, Suva.
It was an exciting day for the 20-year-old who never deemed this to be his reality.
Mr Tamanikaisawa only reached Year 11 before dropping out of high school to look for work.
“I’m excited to see where this journey leads me. The excitement and the challenges make this journey more interesting,” he said.
“None of my family knew I was pursuing this course, not even my parents who recently left for New Zealand.
“I travel daily from my village in Navuso, Naitasiri to find work in the city. Then I met a friend who introduced me to this programme. Because of the long travel, I moved in with my uncle’s family.” Mr Tamanikaisawa is the youngest and most inexperienced student in his class.
“For someone who hasn’t had any experience in being a deckhand fisher, this is challenging because we had to read two huge textbooks and really keep up with the master’s classes.
“I’m excited to venture out and get
None of my family knew I was pursuing this course, not even my parents who recently left for New Zealand.
Noeli Tamanikaisawa
Deckhand Fishing and Basic Sea Safety - Fishing Vessels graduate
that six months experience before I can come back and continue my studies.”
Meanwhile, graduating alongside Mr Tamanikaisawa, was Josefa Tikomailepanoni, 43.
The most experienced and oldest student in the class, Mr Tikomailepanoni was a deckhand fisher for 23 years.
“Getting a certificate is one of the many things that I always look forward to. In class, I always remind other students about the dangers of being a deckhand because there’s a grim reality in that.”
Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies acting director Tevita Robanakadavu said the school had sponsored 20 females to become deckhand fishers.
This was after talks with Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) which paid their fees.
Captain Robanakadavu said the FFA offered to pay $100,000 for the reparation of a fishing vessel that would be used for training in the course which was scheduled to begin in the next three months.
“The resolution is to sponsor 20 females to be trained as deck hand fishers. After three years, they’re going to upgrade them as Near Coastal Skipper fishers, to be captain in fishing vessels less than 24 metres long in near coastal waters,” he said.
“The scholarship includes tuition fees, accommodation and transportation from July 1 for four weeks.” Captain Robanakadavu said they would continue sponsoring these females until they complete the Near- Coastal Fishing Skipper course.