FNU’s Fiji Maritime Academy students join Swire Shipping

Press Release Posted On: June 28, 2022

Swire Shipping recruits receive an unlimited Certificate of Competency and are able to sail onboard any ship plying worldwide.

Eleven  students from Fiji National University’s (FNU) Fiji Maritime Academy (FMA) have found employment with Swire Shipping Pte Ltd. Headquartered in Singapore with local branch offices in Suva and Lautoka, Swire Shipping is a leading provider of specialist customer solutions for a wide range of cargo and aims to provide a full suite of land and ocean solutions to its customers.

The Fijian students were selected from a group of 16 candidates who had to undergo an assessment with the shipping company.

Fiji Maritime Academy CEO Rajitha Semage said they were constantly collaborating with companies to enable work opportunities for students and graduates of the Academy.

“Our courses are designed in such a way that it complies with the standards as set down by the International Maritime Organization through the STCW (international convention on standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers). As such the sea service is a mandatory requirement for them (students) to qualify to obtain the Certificate of Competency from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji,” he said.

“We are grateful for companies like Swire Shipping who continue to employ students from the Academy. Many of them are in different stages of their sea service and training.”

“We strive to ensure that apart from teaching the theoretical components of our courses, the students receive the necessary training that gives them an edge and enables them to be workforce-ready.”

Swire Shipping has thus far employed 38 students from FMA.

Keleni Racule was one of 11 FMA students recruited by Swire Shipping.

“The Fiji Maritime Academy has been one of our close partners over the last 7 years, and  students have shown great aptitude and a strong work ethic on board our vessels. This year, we look forward to welcoming the 11 new graduates into the Swire Shipping family. We trust that they will continue to grow in their profession with us,” said Jesmark Ramos, Head of Crewing, Swire Shipping.

“With 150 years’ operating in and around the Pacific and globally, Swire Shipping has always been committed to supporting the communities in which we operate. We will continue to work with the FMA and our manning partners to identify suitable candidates, and offer them training and a rewarding and enriching career with us,” Ramos added.

Marine Engineering student Keleni Racule said she never envisioned she would be selected.

“I did not see myself getting selected by such a big company. This is a big achievement in itself and I am quite happy,” she said.

“I want to challenge all women to also take up this field and become marine engineers. While it can be challenging on board, it requires perseverance and passion and if they commit to it, they too can prosper in this field.”