Talica Vugawai – Championing Safe Seas for Veilomani Women's Group

Posted on April, 15 2025

Talica Vugawai, a proud member of the Veilomani Women’s Group from Nabouono in Udu, is one of four women who recently earned their Boat Master License through a week-long training facilitated by the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF). The training included modules on Boat Master operations, Basic Sea Safety, Restricted Master/Engineer Class 6, and Maritime Awareness.

Talica describes being selected for the training as a great privilege, one that not only empowered her personally but also brought significant benefits to the women of her community. “Most of our travel is by boat,” she shared, “so having this knowledge is a big help. We’ve faced many challenges, but we never gave up.”

Over the years, the women of Veilomani have worked tirelessly to overcome transport difficulties. Through determination and advocacy, they secured a boat with the support of their local community and funding from the UNDP Small Grants Programme. Not stopping there, the women approached MSAF to provide official boat safety training—a request that was met, with additional support from WWF-UK through the Safeguarding Turtle Nesting Populations in Fiji project.

She believes the training has opened new opportunities for the women of Veilomani. Having a Boat Master License gives them the confidence and ability to travel safely to the mainland for shopping, accessing services, and meeting their responsibilities to their families, church, and vanua. She expressed deep gratitude to MSAF and all supporters of the initiative.

Talica now stands as a symbol of resilience and progress—navigating not just the open sea, but also new horizons for women in maritime communities across Fiji.

Talica proudly receiving her Boat Masters Licence and Certificate from a MSAF Director

A proud Talica Vugawai with her Boat Licence and Certificate