THE establishment of the Fiji Navy Squadron of the Royal Fiji Military Forces included the incorporation of naval traditional beliefs observed by the Royal Navy and Fijian traditional seafarers during the colonial era.
Defender of the sea The term ‘Defender of the Sea’ was introduced to the second and third maritime forces of Fiji by the late Captain Stanley Brown.
The term refers to Alfred the Great, the King of Wessex between 871-899 AD, who courageously defended his domain, prevented England from falling to the Danes, and promoted learning and literacy.
The term was used to define the Fiji Navy and their comradesThe three classes of patrol boats operating during the third decade (1996-2005). (Top left) Patrol boats of the Lake-class include RFNS Levuka (101), and RFNS Lautoka (102). (Centre) Fast patrol boats of the Dabur-class include RFNS Saku (303), RFNS Vai (301), RFNS Ogo (302), and RFNS Saqa (304). (Right) Pacific-class patrol boats include RFNS Kula (201), RFNS Kikau (202), and RFNS Kiro (203).
The Fiji Infantry Regiment and RFMF Engineers within the Royal Fiji Military Forces who contribute selflessly
to the defence of the Fiji Islands.
Three former members of the Fiji Royal Navy Volunteer Force (FRNVR), who were the only Fijians promoted to the highest position for Fijians in the 3rd maritime force of Fiji were Petty Officers Ratu Inoke Bainimarama from Kiuva, Bau in the Tailevu Province; Dr Macu Salato from Matuku Island in the Lau Province; and Viliame ‘Bill’ Raikuna from Nabuli Village, Noco in the Rewa Province.
These gentlemen officially declared the term “Bai Dei Ni Takali” (Defender of the Sea) as the motto of the Fiji Navy Squadron of the Royal Fiji Military Forces at its establishment in 1975.
This includes the use of the corona navalis on all Navy ships and as the crest on the letterhead of the Fiji Navy.
The use of the corona navalis signifies Fiji Navy’s link to the Royal Navy and its traditions and customs.
The traditions of the Royal Navy included rituals observed by the force, rooted in their belief that they interact with various myths and legends attached with the traditions.
The term ‘Bai Dei ni Takali’ (Defender of Fiji) also includes Fijian seafarers’ beliefs about the tales of the mysterious island, Burotukula, which appears above the sea near Matuku Island and then disappears.
It is said that the island is inhabited by beautiful young women and a prince who visits reefs within Fiji waters accompanied with a school of dolphins.
It is believed that the prince of Burotukula and a school of dolphins also travel around Fiji waters to protect Fijians at sea during times of disaster.
This background informs the motto of the Fiji Navy Squadron (FNS) of the RFMF.
Name change The Fiji Hydrographic Service (FHS) was later transferred to Fiji’s maritime force in March 1976, pursuant to the Cabinet decision to establish the FNS in 1975.
The transfer included the unit, personnel, ships, and equipment, with the intention that the unit could benefit from the Defence Cooperation Program between the Australian Government and Fiji.
The transfer of FHS prompted the change in the title from Fiji Navy Squadron of the Royal Fiji Military Forces to the Navy Component of the Royal Fiji Military Forces.
As a result, the head of the Fiji Navy, usually addressed as Commander Fiji Navy (CFN), was changed to Commander Navy Component (CNC).
Following the political upheaval in 1987, Fiji was declared a republic. Consequently, the nation adopted the title Republic of Fiji. Subsequently, the titles of some institutions in Fiji also changed. The title of Fiji’s military was changed from the Royal Fiji Military Forces to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
Similarly, the maritime force’s title also changed: the prefix HMFS was replaced with RFNS, and Navy Component of Royal Fiji Military Forces was renamed Republic of Fiji Navy of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
As the institution continued to evolve in this modern era, the head of the maritime force, previously addressed as Commander Navy Component, is now referred to as Chief of Navy.
Navy fleet Since its inception in 1975, the Fiji Navy fleet included three exminesweepers: HMFS Kiro, HMFS Kula, and HMFS Kikau – all purchased from the United States.
The fleet expanded in 1976 following the transfer of the Fiji Hydrographic Service to the FNS, which included the hydrographic vessel MV Volasiga and HMFS Latui.
Unfortunately, the Volasiga’s unseaworthiness hampered hydrographic survey progress, leading to its phased retirement.
It was later replaced by HMFS Ruve, commissioned in September 1979. This was followed by the locally built vessel SMB Belo, funded by UNDP; it was disposed of in 1983. HMFS Ruve, which contributed positively to Fiji waters’ hydrographic surveys, was decommissioned in November 1986. HMFS Babele was commissioned in May 1987; it was specifically designed for hydrographic purposes but was not outfitted with adequate hydrographic devices and therefore served mainly as a mother ship for smaller survey boats. It was
decommissioned in December 1988.
During the fifth decade of Fiji’s maritime force, hydrographic vessels included SMB Ika Vuka, RFNS Volasiga, and the multipurpose vessel RFNS Kacau.
Other vessels later added to Fiji’s naval fleet were offered from the Australian Government, including the Pacific Patrol Boats RFNS Kula, RFNS Kiro, and RFNS Kikau.
These were later replaced by the Pacific Guardian Patrol Boats, RFNS Savenaca and RFNS Puamau. In February 2025, RFNS Timo replaced RFNS Puamau.
Expansion of roles The expansion of roles for the Republic of Fiji Navy began in March 1975 after the transfer of the Fiji Hydrographic Service to the unit.
Conducting hydrographic surveys across Fiji waters is a mammoth task, often hampered by the unavailability of survey ships.
An important element of this work has been joint operations with the Royal Australian Defence Forces in demarcating the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) for Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and Kiribati, as well as surveys and updates of nautical charts for marine navigation.’
The role of the Maritime Intelligence Centre was transferred to the Fiji Navy in 1985. It was later renamed the Maritime Surveillance Centre and based at the Stanley Brown Base at Walu Bay.
The title was subsequently changed to Fiji Maritime Surveillance Rescue Coordinating Centre, now located at the new Navy Headquarters in Lami.
The role of the Coastal Radio Station, previously operated by Telecommunications Fiji Ltd, was transferred to the Fiji Navy in November 2009.
The station was relocated to Valenicina on May 24, 2019.
The Suva Radio 3DP provides VHF and HF radio services for mariners, offering 24/7 monitoring of internationally recognised distress channels.
It also broadcasts maritime safety information, meteorological data, and coastal navigation warnings.
The station has the capability to monitor distress calls.
Today, Fiji’s maritime force plays a vital and multifaceted role, serving as the primary guardian of the nation’s sovereignty and maritime interests.
Beyond its core responsibility for national defence, the force actively contributes to regional security and stability by participating in joint patrols, search and rescue operations, and maritime law enforcement across the Pacific Islands.
It also plays a crucial part in safeguarding vital shipping routes, protecting marine resources, and fostering international cooperation to ensure safe and sustainable navigation in the South Pacific.
Through its unwavering commitment and diverse capabilities, Fiji’s maritime force continues to uphold peace, security, and resilience in a dynamic and often challenging maritime environment.
