𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐚 (𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐒) 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞

𝟑𝟎 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) proudly announces the official opening of its new Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Centre, located at the Solomon Islands Maritime College (SIMC) in Ranadi. This milestone marks a significant step forward for maritime education, training, and international compliance in the Solomon Islands.

The launch event was attended by distinguished guests, including:

• Mr Allan Lilia, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID)

• H.E. Keiichi Higuchi, Ambassador of Japan to the Solomon Islands

• Dr William Parairato, Pro Vice-Chancellor Corporate, Solomon Islands National University (SINU)

• Mr Russell Dunham, General Manager, National Fisheries Development (NFD)

• Bishop George Takeli, Vice-President, Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA)

• Dr Capt. Teorae Kabure, Director, Solomon Islands Maritime College (SIMC)

• Mr Thierry Nervale, Director, Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA)

The event featured welcome remarks by Dr. Parairato, a keynote address from Permanent Secretary Mr. Allan Lilia, a blessing of the Centre by Bishop Takeli, a statement from NFD General Manager Mr. Dunham, and a guided tour of the facility. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from SIMC Director, Dr. Capt. Teorae Kabure.

In his address, Dr. Parairato described the day as historic, not only for SINU but for the Solomon Islands as a whole. “This Centre will be instrumental in safeguarding lives at sea by training our seafarers to meet international safety and security standards,” he said. He outlined the scope of training to be delivered at the Centre, including courses such as Basic and Advanced Survival at Sea, Firefighting, First Aid, Maritime Security, and other IMO STCW-compliant programmes. Dr. Parairato also announced plans to install a fully equipped lifeboat, costing between $5 to $6 million SBD, to complete the facility’s operational readiness.

Permanent Secretary Mr. Allan Lilia commended the visionary leadership of SINU Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau and SIMA Director Mr. Thierry Nervale, whose collaboration led to the signing of a strategic Partnership Agreement in late 2023. This agreement brought together SINU, SIMA, MID, SIPA, and SIMTA to form a Joint Oversight Committee that guided the development of the SOLAS Centre and its integration into the Maritime Labour Mobility and Shipping Registry National Roadmap, officially launched in August 2024.

“Our collective goal is to open new employment pathways for Solomon Islanders in the global maritime industry,” said Mr. Lilia. “The SOLAS Centre is a key component of that vision, preparing our youth for internationally recognized careers.”

In his remarks, Dr. Capt. Teorae Kabure reaffirmed the College’s commitment to quality maritime education. “This is just the beginning. We will continue working with our partners and stakeholders to expand and strengthen this institution. Our mission is to ensure every student is well trained, well educated, and well disciplined,” he said.

SINU extended its deepest gratitude to its partners and supporters, especially Tri-Marine and NFD for their financial support, SIMA and the Joint Oversight Committee for regulatory guidance, the Tandai Council of Chiefs for granting high-water mark approval for campus expansion, and EXODUS Construction Ltd for successfully delivering the project.

The SOLAS Centre is poised to become a regional hub for maritime safety training, enhancing the employability of Solomon Islands’ seafarers and contributing to national economic growth through skills development and international workforce mobility.

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