THE Republic of the Fiji Navy marked another milestone with the commissioning of the RFNS Kacau at the Stanley Brown naval base in Walu Bay, Suva, yesterday.
The fully equipped catamaran vessel, which has the capacity to carry 32 crew on board, will be used for hydrographic survey and maritime surveillance by the Fiji Hydrographic Office.
Republic of Fiji Military Forces commander Rear Admiral Viliame Naupoto said it was an asset that the Fiji Navy needed in order to run the Fiji Hydrographic Services.
He thanked China for the “wonderful” vessel, adding it would allow Fiji fulfil its obligations to the International Maritime Organization and ensure the safety of life at sea.
“As you know Fiji is a group of around 300 islands and the safety of mariners is very important.
“This is also good given that we also have a superyacht industry coming into Fiji and when we have updated charts, they (yachts) have the confidence to come into our waters,” he said.
Rear Admiral Naupoto was not able to reveal the cost of the vessel.
The event was attended by the Minister for Defence and National Security Inia Seruiratu, Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho and officials.
Meanwhile, a Chinese government official who wished to remain anonymous, said a team of 18 officials from China were conducting a four-month training with the Fiji Navy to familiarise crew with the vessel’s features.
