FFA Seminar Strengthens Regional Maritime Safety Cooperation

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) had concluded its 7th Maritime College Seminar in Honiara, Solomon Islands, bringing together maritime educators and regional stakeholders to strengthen cooperation in maritime safety and security across the Pacific.

The three-day seminar, held from 30 March to 1 April 2026 was convened under the theme “Maritime Safety and Security in the Pacific Islands Region.” The event brought together 16 participants (2 women and 14 men) representing maritime colleges, training institutions and regional organisations to discuss shared challenges and practical ways to strengthen maritime education and safety standards in the region.

In his opening remarks, FFA Director-General Noan David Pakop said regional collaboration remains critical as Pacific Island countries continue to navigate the realities of vast ocean spaces, remote maritime zones, limited capacity and growing environmental and security risks.

“Our ocean is not just a resource – it is our identity, our livelihood and our shared heritage,” Mr Pakop said. “Maritime safety and security are fundamental to protecting our seafarers, ensuring safe operations at sea, and supporting the effective management of our fisheries resources.”

Mr Pakop also highlighted the important role maritime training institutions play in preparing the next generation of maritime professionals, including seafarer, fisheries observers, compliance officers and other specialists who support the region’s maritime and fisheries sectors.

“The standards upheld by maritime colleges directly influence safety, professionalism and accountability across maritime operations in our region,” Mr Pakop said. “Strong training systems are critical not only for safety at sea, but also for maintaining the integrity and sustainability of our fisheries.”

Throughout the seminar, participants discussed a wide range of issues affecting maritime education and operations in the Pacific. These included international maritime safety frameworks, safety of life at sea, search and rescue coordination, maritime domain awareness, emerging maritime security challenges, cybersecurity in maritime training, labour standards and seafarer welfare, as well as the gender dimensions of safety at sea.

The seminar also provided an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences, share best practices, and explore ways to strengthen maritime training curricula and collaboration between maritime colleges and regional organisations.

A key outcome of the seminar was the establishment of the Pacific Colleges of Maritime Fisheries Association (PaCMFA). The new association is expected to strengthen coordination among maritime training institutions, promote consistent training standards and industry standards, and support knowledge sharing and innovation across the Pacific maritime education sector.

It will also provide a platform for maritime colleges and training institutions to work more closely together in developing programmes that respond to the region’s evolving maritime safety, fisheries management and security needs.

FFA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its Members through stronger regional cooperation, policy development, and targeted capacity-building initiatives. The outcomes of the seminar contribute to the agency’s broader vision of sustainable fisheries and maximising economic returns for its Members through stronger institutional capacity and regional cooperation.

Participants represented maritime training institutions and colleges from the Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, alongside regional training centres and partner organisations.

As the seminar closed, participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening maritime safety education and ensuring that those working across the Pacific Ocean are well-trained, protected and supported.

HONIARA, 02 APRIL 2026

Media Contacts: Emily V. Moli FFA Communications Manager e: [email protected] Ernest Ta'asi FFA Communications Officer e: ernest.ta’[email protected] Priscilla Ragu FFA Communications Officer e: [email protected]

About Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) FFA assists its 17 Members to sustainably manage fishery resources that fall within their 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). FFA provides expertise, technical assistance and other support to its members who make decisions about their tuna resources and participate in regional decision making on tuna management. Find out more here: www.ffa.int