BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The Permanent Secretary (PS) for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Allan Lilia, has called on partners and stakeholders to support the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Maritime College (SIMC) with the installation of a lifeboat and its accessories.

The call was made during the official commissioning and handover ceremony of the newly established Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Centre held last week at the SINU Marine School in East Honiara.

“Following the successful establishment of the SOLAS Centre, the next crucial step is the installation of the lifeboat—a fundamental requirement for delivering basic safety training courses,” PS Lilia said.

He said that these courses are essential in equipping seafarers with the qualifications needed to sail internationally.

“Although the lifeboat has been on site for three years, its installation is critical to ensure training delivery is compliant with international standards,” he added.

PS Lilia used the platform to urge potential partners to come forward and support the project.

“The fundamental elements are firmly in place. We have the vision, the strategic plan, and the potential of our youth. Our focus now is on upgrading the college to fulfil its vital role in training the next generation of maritime professionals,” he said.

Acting Vice-Chancellor of SINU, Dr William Parairato, echoed the importance of the project, stating that it would cost around SBD 5 to 6 million to complete.

“Our next major project is the installation of the lifeboat and accessories, which is crucial to meeting the training needs of the maritime and shipping industry—locally, regionally, and internationally,” he said.

Dr Parairato also informed PS Lilia that SINU has received approval from the Tandai Council of Chiefs to expand the campus beyond the high-water mark in preparation for future developments.

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