BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) Interim Director Agnes Gaote’e has thanked National Fisheries Development (NFD) and partners for funding the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) centre.

The Solomon Islands Maritime College’s state-of-the-art Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) centre is a beacon of progress for the country’s maritime sector and was commissioned last month.

Speaking at this year’s International Day of Seafarers, Mrs Gaote’e took the opportunity to express her appreciation on behalf of SIMA.

“I would like to seize the opportunity of today’s celebration to thank National Fisheries Developments (NFD) Limited for funding and allowing the construction of the SOLAS Centre at the western end of the campus,” she said.

She said the SOLAS Centre is now where all safety courses for seafarers are delivered, complying with international standards.

She also called on partners to assist in funding the installation of the Solomon Islands Maritime College’s (SIMC) new lifeboat on its platform and launching system at the SOLAS Centre.

“I am also happy to report that SIMA and the Solomon Islands Tertiary Education Scholarships Authority (SITESA) are entering into an agreement that will soon offer scholarships for seafarer training,” said Mrs Gaote’e.

“We believe that Solomon Islands, as a maritime nation, has the potential to offer skilled and well-paid jobs to our youth in Solomon Islands and overseas. There are wonderful careers to embrace for our young boys and girls looking for adventure and to contribute to the development of our beloved nation,” she said.

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