WORKING in a traditionally male-dominated field comes with its fair share of challenges, but for 24-year-old Josifini Lutu it was just simply a walk in the park.
With perseverance, hard work and a strong willpower, Lutu has been able to graduate from the Fiji National University’s Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies with a Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 5).
She was the only woman among her fellow friends to have graduated with a Diploma in Nautical Science during the university graduation ceremony – an incredible accomplished for a young seafarer.
As her name was called at the graduation ceremony, she walked with pride to receive her Diploma, finally realising her hard work for two years has come to fruition.
The young lass from Dravuwalu Village in Totoya, Lau with maternal links to Navuloa Village in Bureta, Ovalau is also the first woman in her family to become a sailor.
On graduating, Lutu said the good news hasn’t really settled in for her.
“I don’t know why it hasn’t settled in yet, but I’m grateful for having to endure my training and studies and seeing it to the very end,” she said.
“Its a privilege being the only female to have graduated with a Diploma in Nautical Science.
“Some say it’s tough working in a male-dominated field, but I don’t find it difficult at all.
“It does take a bit of adjusting to and once you get into the rhythm of things, everything comes naturally to you.”
Lutu blended in well with her co-workers when completing her sea time.
She did sea time with Captain Cook Cruises and Swire Shipping.
“I adjusted well on board a foreign vessel and working with a multi-national crew was alright.
“I finished my three-month cadetship contract with Swire Shipping and as I got off my Captain gave me a promotion. It means a lot to me and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.
“For work, I try to do it to the best of my ability. I also just focus on God and my family – how they have helped me along the way.
She thanked her family for their tremendous support over the years.
“My parents have supported me throughout my education. Both of them are teachers so they motivate me every day to work hard.
“I’m the eldest of three siblings, so I have to set a good example. Once my parents retire, I hope to look after them just like how they looked after me during my journey.
After graduating with a Diploma, Josifini is likely to secure a job onboard a ship.
“Right now, my manning company is calling because they need officers on board. Hopefully after this I can start working but that’s all in God’s perfect time.
She hopes to spend some time sailing as an officer and later pursue her studies in Australia or New Zealand.
She has learned a lot studying nautical science and she hopes her story can motivate others to pursue a career in maritime.
She encourages women to push beyond the barriers and make a name for themselves in male-dominated fields.
“You need to have a strong willpower to survive in this field and you should be able to prove that you can do it.
“I believe any women can and I encourage them to take up the challenge today.”
According to the Pacific Centre for Maritime Studies, a Diploma in Nautical Science (Level 5) is a maritime qualification focusing on navigation, ship operations, and management, preparing individuals for deck officer roles.
It covers subjects like navigation, chartwork, watchkeeping, ship knowledge, maritime law, and leadership, requiring strong physics, maths, and English skills for entry.
Josifini Lutu was the only woman to have graduated with a Diploma in Nautical Science from the Fiji National
University on December 10.
Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU
