It was encouraging to know that the farthest participant at the Boat Master Licensing training in Nakawaga, Mali, Vanua Levu, came all the way from Caubati in Nasinu.
Riaz Hussain travelled from Viti Levu to join 71 people who recently received their licences.
His journey was the culmination of years of determination to gain certification after repeatedly applying for the training.
For years, he had registered for the course, but was never fortunate enough to be selected.
Mr Hussain says he spends much of his time at sea and, as an information technology consultant who runs his own private business, he understands the importance of doing things properly.
To venture out onto the water, he said, having the correct licence is important. That is why he made the effort to travel all the way from Suva.
There are some of us who may wonder why this story is important.
We say it is important in the wake of the disappearance of nine fishermen late last month.
Remember, they were travelling towards Kadavu when their fiberglass punt was later found drifting at sea by a tourist charter vessel.
The nine missing men left behind loved ones who are still struggling to come to terms with their disappearance.
During the week-long training, Mr Hussain lived in Tabia.
Each day he left around 7am, driving from Tabia to Malau before continuing by boat to the training venue.
He said the villagers were warm and welcoming.
The training formed part of efforts to strengthen maritime safety and ensure boat operators are properly certified under national regulations.
This is what we need.
We say there should be more of these training sessions.
We live in a country surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.
Inter-island ferries criss-cross our waters every day. Fiberglass punts connect communities from Viti Levu to Lomaiviti, Kadavu and the Yasawa Islands in the Western Division.
For many maritime communities, these vessels are a lifeline.
That is why we must continue to push for workshops and classes that equip operators with the skills and knowledge to keep passengers safe.
Water safety is critically important in the greater scheme of things.
Boat operators must appreciate the responsibility they carry each time they transport people across our waters.
A licence stands for competence, preparation and commitment to safety.
The story of Riaz Hussain reminds us that people are willing to travel great distances and make personal sacrifices to do the right thing.
That determination deserves our support.
Bring on more workshops. Bring on more awareness. Bring on more licensed boat masters.
That would be good for those who rely on punt services, and great for our nation.
