FMA cadets (standing) with FMA and Swire Group staff and during the briefing.

Fourteen students from the Fiji National University’s (FNU), Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) attended their final briefing session last month at the FMA Laucala Campus before joining Swire Group’s China Navigation Co (CNCo) vessels for cadetship.

FMA Chief Executive Officer, Mahesa Abeynayake said the eight deck and six engineering cadets were selected from an initial pool of 23 cadets nominated by the Academy. Four of the selected students are females.

“This is the biggest intake from the Academy by the company and the females also make up the largest number of female cadets from Fiji,” Abeynayake said.

“The students were briefed on their roles, responsibilities and work ethic on board the vessels and were joined by Alpha Pacific Navigation Managing Director, Saoloto Sosene, from Lautoka via Zoom.”

“The cadets progressed through three stages of gruelling tests and interviews and it is hearting to know that most cadets passed the tests exceptionally well, surprising selectors from Singapore,” he added.

CEO Abeynayake said the group would join FMA cadets who are earning a firm reputation within the company as trainees with the correct attitude and with good discipline. He said these were necessary attributes that would enable the cadets to become officers within the company.

“Some of these cadets are the future of the Fiji Maritime Academy teaching and management staff,” he said.

Sosene said the safety culture of the company required the right attitude and diligence from the cadets. Swire Group’s Alec Pattison added that discipline was required to survive onboard both in safety aspects and other occupational hazards of being at sea for long periods.

He encouraged the cadets to communicate with the recruiting agency and the Academy at all times and seek advice when required.

Pattison said the shipping industry, which had seen a downturn since the financial crisis in 2009, was slowly revitalised amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Fewer ships are lying idle as many are engaged in trading activity. This means more opportunities for Fijian seafarers,” he said.

Enrolment for Semester 1 is underway, and students interested in joining the Fiji National University can visit our Enrolment Booth at MHCC in Suva or a campus near you for enquiries, applications and enrolment. Prospective students can also visit our website on www.fnu.ac.fj for programme information and entry requirements.