New board
Appanna to steer boxing commission’s journey
DOCTOR Subhash Appanna has been appointed the new Boxing Commission of Fiji chairman.
“It is a fresh start,” said Dr Appanna.
Dr Appanna, a senior lecturer in management and public administration at the University of the South Pacific for over 20 years is a long-term boxing enthusiast, who has played various roles with the sport.
CAPTAIN Inoke Ratotodro is a disciplined man whose words reflect true passion for the role he plays.
Originally from Tuatua Village in Koro, Capt Ratotodro holds a Class 2 Certificate and a Bachelor of Nautical Science attained from the Australia Maritime College.
His Class 2 Certificate allows him to captain ships less than 3000 tonnes in the unlimited trade.
Having spent more than 40 years in the maritime sector he said he had been to all the countries in the Pacific, travelled around the world and Fiji as well.
Apart from travelling he says he also loves his job because it draws him closer to God.
"Becoming a seafarer is a challenging work. I'm closer to God when I'm out in the sea because I can't see any land and it’s only me and him (God)," Capt Ratotodro said.
Growing up he said he always wanted to be a seafarer and fortunately for him his dream of becoming one came true when he started sailing in 1976 working his way up until he became a captain in 1984.
As a master, Capt Ratotodro has a lawful command on board with the three main streams of navigation, engineering and the housekeeping site so everything on board comes under him and stops with him as well.
His job requires him to work on shifts all the time apart from that he is also answerable to the owners since he is the shipowner’s representative on board.
"My job is to make sure things are working in unionism and there is no conflict. I also come into play before departure and I have to make sure to take the ship out to sea from any port safely and also on arrivals.
"It is a big role because you have to know the characteristics of your ship as well and you also have to pass examinations in order to do that."
In order to achieve that, Capt Ratotodro adds one does not only have to pass local exams but also international ones to have an understanding of the rules of the road and of the internal conventions of the ship.
For those 40 plus of years he said he did not sail all the time and spent most of his time ashore as a surveyor, surveying ships and also acted as director of marines.
"I am the link between Goundar Shipping and Maritime Safety Authority Fiji (MSAF) today.
"I'm also a surveyor, an investigator and an examiner for masters and mates. I also do the compass adjusting which is what I'm still doing now for all our ships."
He advised those planning to pursue a career in the maritime sector to work hard, maintain discipline and always be humble.
"For any work you do, you have to have a disciplined life. You must teach yourself to be disciplined."
Capt Ratotodro is the senior master of the Goundar Shipping Services fleet.