Seafarers are the backbone of the Maritime Industry and the number of local female seafarers is increasing which is encouraging.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Jone Usamate when he opened the International Seafarer’s Day at the Fiji Maritime Academy at Nasese with the theme ‘I AM ON BOARD WITH GENDER EQUALITY.’
Usamate says Fiji has 91 female seafarers from the 23,000 female seafarers estimated by the International Transport Federation.
He also says their contribution to the industry can never be emphasized enough.
Usamate says this is a day for them to be recognized and also encouraged females around the country to consider a career in the maritime sector, not only to find employment but to work hard in moving up the ranks.
Meanwhile, there were awards presented as well in this event, they were presented to Captain Mafi Manuapai who received the First Fijian Master award and Maria Hanuarani received the award for the First Female Officer.
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