Female Constable Fatima Aoraunisaka of the Police Maritime Department is a success for maritime.
“It is my ambition to upgrade my skill as a Police Maritime officer that resulted to this great achievement, being awarded with a Class 6 Master/Engineer Certificate of Competency (COC) from Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration (SIMSA) in Honiara on 30 April, 2018,” says Female Constable Fatima Aoraunisaka.
She adds: “I am proud to receive my Class 6 Master Boat Skipper License and so far first female police officer to obtain such a qualification. This achievement was possible after attending a seven week course requiring study and examinations at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), after which I passed an Oral Examination with the Marine examiner.”
She says, “I encourage other female officers who are considering transferring to maritime to do so; as it is good to explore new experience to build your skills.”
“It is very challenging to work in male dominated areas but because of my interest to become a seafarer helps build my confidence to overcome the challenges,” says female Constable Aoraunisaka.
She says, “I would also like to thank Maritime Director Chief Superintendent Fox-Sau and the Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP) for their support and the programs funding, as without their support, opportunities such as this are extremely difficult.”
Female Constable Aoraunisaka was recruited into the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in year 2004.She was then a police Constable probationer for two years. During her two years’ probation, she had to do work experience in various RSIPF Units, Departments and Divisions.
In year 2008, she was then posted to the Police Maritime where she work as an engineer on board the patrol boats. However by obtaining this Class 6 master/engineer certificate of competency she can either continue with her engineering career or can skipper the Police Stabicraft response vessels.
Currently, she is undergoing five weeks vehicle driving training supported by RSIPF and funded by SIPDP.
Constable Aoraunisaka also attended various courses and these are Basic sea safety at SINU, Marine Engineering Australian Maritime College (AMC) and Maritime logistics management (AMC).