Being a boat master is more than just providing a means of transport.
For Napolioni Raqitawa it is about serving the community with diligence and pride.
Known among locals as Navo, the Nukutubu villager from Rewa has dedicated decades worth of time and energy to transporting families and passengers to and from the Nasilai landing at the end of Wainibokasi Road.
Navo comes from a big family of eight siblings, and despite failing in his academic journey after attending Rewa Primary School, Navo was determined to succeed in life.
With the help of the Rewa Water Taxi Association, Navo and his fellow boatmen acquired licenses to become legal water taxi operators.
Since then, Navo has never looked back.
Navo wakes up at around 3.30am every morning and transports school children and workers to Nasali landing so they can catch the first bus to Nausori and Suva, which departs at 5.30am.
After rush hour, he makes a few rounds to and from Nasali before returning home to have breakfast and tend to his livestock and household chores.
He takes a short nap to catch up on lost sleep before returning to Nasali to continue transporting people across the Rewa river.
If the weather permits, Navo works until 9.30pm.
When asked how he manages to manoeuvre his boat on the water highway without encountering an accident, especially during bad weather and in the dark, he acknowledged the training and certification he and his fellow boatmen received from the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF.)
The boat master training offered by MSAF teaches basic boat handling skills.
For the boat handlers at Nasali, which serve villagers of Nukui and Vutia (among others) this is of great importance because it builds their ability to safely transport passengers to their intended destinations.
“Safety is very important, especially during bad weather and rainy days. Over the years I have learnt how to effectively manoeuvre my punt on the river like a professional,” Navo said.
“Maintaining the balance and load of passengers and goods is something we must ensure.We have to watch how we load our punt.”
Navo helps people who need to travel but do not have boat fares.
“If passengers can’t pay their boat fares, I allow them to give it later in the day or in the evening,” he said.
“I know everyone in the area and trust they will always pay their fares.”
Navo made a career on one of the tributaries of the Rewa river more than two decades ago.
Although age seems to be catching up on him, he carries out his duties daily without fail because he enjoys his job.
“It makes me happy seeing that my small boat is able to transfer hundreds of students and individuals to and from their villages daily.”
“Whether I have to take passengers to school or transport visitors during a celebration, I enjoy doing what I do.”
One of the things that has made Navo stick to his river job is the spirit of camaraderie he enjoys with his fellow boat masters.
Navo said humour made their work more enjoyable, enhanced performance and improved job wellbeing.
The veteran boat master believes that, like other jobs, handling river passenger boats should be done with the interest of the travelling public in mind.
He believes in “helping one another – no matter the background”.
“We should always live a life that is mindful of those in need,” Navo said.
Navo uses his small water taxi business not only to help the community and help put food on the table but also to share his belief in “displaying love and understanding”.
If we all live by Navo’s great example – the world would definitely be a better place.
