MIRIAMA Latianara has returned to Fiji after earning a Master’s degree in Maritime Law and Policy from the World Maritime University.
Ms. Latianara, a legal officer at the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), graduated in late 2025 in Malmö, Sweden.
The opportunity to pursue the Master’s program came about when the MSAF Human Resources Department shared an Expression of Interest (EOI) advertisement for the program, opening the door for her to apply.
She previously earned a Professional Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of the South Pacific in 2010.
Ms Latianara who hails from Taveuni, said pursuing a Master’s degree took her beyond her original plans.
She joined MSAF in 2020.
“Attaining a Master’s degree was never the plan for me. I was grateful for what I had already,” Ms. Latianara said. “But working in the maritime sector opened my eyes to the vast possibilities in this often-overlooked field,” she said.
She said the program gave her a deeper understanding of global maritime governance, including the laws and policies developed by key bodies such as the International Maritime Organization and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
The program also strengthened her skills in policy analysis, helping her evaluate and design maritime policies for effective implementation. It provided practical insight into how major international maritime institutions operate, while broadening her understanding of global cooperation and dispute resolution.
Studying alongside 127 peers from 52 countries and engaging with faculty and institutional leaders further enriched her experience and expanded her professional network.
Studying so far from home was not without challenges.
“I had family members close to me who passed away while I was abroad, and I could not attend their funerals.
“There were also milestones I would have loved to celebrate at home. I’m thankful for modern technology like WhatsApp and Messenger, which made it easier to stay connected, even if it didn’t replace being there in person.
Ms Latianara also recalled one of her proudest experiences: serving on a five-member international student panel representing Fiji, Ghana, South Africa, Suriname, and Indonesia, which addressed students from Asia House Denmark.
“Between the five panel members, our backgrounds ranged from law and economics to seafaring, maritime administration, and pedagogy.
“We each shared our experiences in the maritime sector to show young students the many paths to a career in this field worldwide.
For those considering a similar path, she advises careful preparation for both study and life abroad.
“Be ready for cultural differences, new beliefs, and ways of thinking. Take what you need to support yourself and always come prepared for classes.”
She also encouraged students to keep an open mind, learn from peers, faculty, and the local community in Malmö, Sweden, and embrace the experience fully, as it would enrich their personal and professional growth.
