WELCOME TO FIJI MARITIME ACADEMY (FMA)

“FMA soldiers on with the motto of ‘Honor through Discipline’ enhanced by an idealistic vision of being the Premier Maritime Institution in the region, the academy continues to produce competent, Qualified and disciplined seafarers to the world maritime industry.”

As Director in Charge/Chief Executive officer of FMA, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the wonderful world of Maritime Training and Education.

Fiji Maritime Academy strategically located by the sea at Laucala bay is the sole maritime training provider in Fiji. At FMA, students study in an atmosphere serenaded by the Suva sea breeze. This is where new cadets can observe the migratory sea birds rest before the long journey across oceans. They now can dream of embarking such journeys and look forward to finding new horizons as seafarers.

Requirements to be a seafarer has changed over the years. There was a time when ships were manned by anyone willing to “go to sea”. Although some of these men were great sailors, seafaring as a profession was unregulated and therefore often unsafe. Not so much in the distant past, it was not unusual to have the Captain’s brother-in-law as the Chief Engineer and a couple of his sons to be working on deck. The skills to navigate the ship and operate those engines were homegrown through experience and trial and error.

Operational skills and safety in all aspects were left to the individuals to manage. It must be said that the ships did shift cargo successfully and safety incidents were accepted as an occupational hazard.

Since the International Maritime Organization (IMO) set international training standards through the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention, there has been a quantum leap in approach safety, security, and general conditions of working onboard.

Although importance is given to completion of Diploma and obtaining Certificate of Competency, for FMA it is simply treading water. With an emphasis on exemplary attitude and good discipline, taking priority at FMA, management and staff take pride in producing quality seafarers. Products who are not only good navigators and engineers but strong individuals who take pride in their career. Strict dress code when in the Academy, personal grooming punctuality, and attendance play a major role in their path to success.

Recognizing FMA’s proven track record of producing disciplined cadets international shipping companies continually engage cadets for training. Fijian Officers and Ratings are also in demand.

Every year a batch of cadets are selected to join the world of “big time” shipping. Once training is completed and required sea time is obtained, they are well on their way to being masters and chief engineers of international standard.

Since 2020 there has also been an influx of regional students at FMA, companies prefer sending cadets and officers to Fiji. While these students are part of the vision of being the “Premier Maritime institute in the region”, they also contribute significantly to the revenue of the Academy by paying a higher fee than the local students.