Solomon Islands Maritime Authority
The purpose of the event was to officially launch and handover the newly constructed Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Centre to the Solomon Islands Maritime College.
Date: Wednesday 30th April 2025
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 am
Venue: SIMC, Ranadi Campus, Honiara
The event commenced with a National Salute Ceremony at the main entrance of the Maritime College, where the Guest of Honour, Mr. Allan Lilia, and all invited guests were formally welcomed. It was followed by an opening prayer and a welcome address from the Acting Vice-Chancellor of SINU, Dr. William Parairato.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Allan Lilia, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, who delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the significance of the newly launched SOLAS Centre and the collaborative efforts that made it a reality, describing the SOLAS Centre as a symbol of progress for the nation’s maritime sector and praising the leadership of SINU Vice Chancellor, Dr. Transform Aqorau and SIMA Director, Mr. Thierry Nervale, whose collaborative efforts culminated in a Partnership Agreement in 2023.
Mr. Lilia also highlighted the integration of this vision into the Maritime Labour Mobility and Shipping Registry National Roadmap, launched in August 2024, marking a major milestone for maritime training.
He stressed the immense potential of the maritime sector to provide young Solomon Islanders with internationally recognised qualifications and meaningful employment. He also expressed gratitude to National Fisheries Development (NFD), particularly General Manager Mr. Russell Dunham, for the unwavering support and commitment to training.
Looking ahead, Mr. Lilia identified the installation of a lifeboat as the next crucial step for the Centre to offer internationally compliant safety training. He concluded by urging more partners to join this national endeavour, reaffirming that the foundation for success is already in place.
Retired Bishop George Takeli blessed the Centre, followed by an official ribbon cutting by Mr. Lilia, SINU Acting Vice Chancellor Dr. William Parairato and NFD General Manager Mr. Russell Dunham.
Following the Ribbon cutting ceremony, NFD General Manager Mr. Russell Dunham delivered a statement on behalf of NFD and its parent companies, Bolton and Tri Marine, reaffirming their commitment as a key industry partner. In his remarks, Mr. Dunham proudly reiterated NFD’s dedication to supporting the development of maritime training in the Solomon Islands, particularly through the successful construction of the new SOLAS classroom facility.
He acknowledged that this initiative was initially proposed by Mr. Thierry Nervale, Director of SIMA, who championed a collaborative approach involving the Maritime College, SIMA, and the private sector to enhance maritime education and safety standards across the country.
Mr. Dunham also noted that discussions with Dr. Transform Aqorau, Vice-Chancellor of SINU and a long-time friend and colleague from the fisheries sector, further solidified NFD’s support for the initiative. The project’s objectives closely align with the values of Bolton, whose mission emphasizes caring for people and creating lasting value for local communities.
Recognizing the fundamental importance of safety in both the maritime and fishing industries, NFD committed its full support to the project, resulting in the construction of the SOLAS classroom as a tangible symbol of a successful public-private partnership.
Mr. Dunham concluded by strongly endorsing continued collaboration among SIMA, SINU, and the private sector, underscoring that such partnerships are vital for the sustainable growth and modernization of the Solomon Islands maritime industry.
National Fisheries Development (NFD) formally handed over the keys to SINU, symbolizing the Centre’s transfer, followed by a celebratory cake cutting.
Dignitaries and guests were given a guided tour of the newly completed SOLAS Centre, where they observed its classroom facilities designed to enhance maritime training and safety.
Dr. Teorae Kabure, Director of SIMC concluded the event by expressing sincere gratitude to the Guest of Honour, the Permanent Secretary responsible for the maritime sector, for officiating the launch. He highlighted that this milestone represents a significant advancement in maritime training and the safety of life at sea in the Solomon Islands, made possible through strong and collaborative partnerships with NFD, SIMA, SINU, private sector stakeholders, and the Government of the Solomon Islands.
Agenda
| Time | Agenda Item | Presenters |
| 0900 – 0945 | Arrival and registration | SIMC/SIMA |
| 0945 – 1000 | Arrival of the Guest of Honour
· Raise SI National Flag & Play National Anthem |
SINU Vice Chancellor (Acting) & SIMA Director |
| SOLAS CENTRE COMMISSIONING, OPENING & OFFICIAL HANDOVER CEREMONY | ||
| Facilitated by Caroline Keniasina | ||
| 1000 – 1005 | Opening Prayer | Bishop George Takeli, Vice-President, SIMTA |
| 1005 – 1015 | Welcome Remarks | Dr. William Parairato, Vice-Chancellor (Acting), SINU |
| 1015 – 1025 | Keynote Address | Allan Lilia, Permanent Secretary, MID |
| 1025 – 1030 | Blessing of the new SOLAS Centre | Bishop Takeli |
| 1030 – 1045 | Launching of the SOLAS Centre:
· Ribbon-cutting · Handover of keys · Cutting of Cake · Entering of SOLAS Centre by students Statement by NFD Limited, donor/partner of the SOLAS Centre |
Allan Lilia, Permanent Secretary, MID
Dr. William Parairato, Vice-Chancellor (Acting), SINU Russell Dunham, General Manager, NFD |
| 1045 – 1110 | Tour of the SOLAS Centre | Guests |
| 1110 – 1115 | Vote of Thanks | Dr. Teorae Kabure, Director, SIMC |
| 1115 – 1125 | Closing Prayer | Pastor Cliff Honikulu, Chaplain, SINU |
| 1125 – 1130 | Official photograph | All |
| 1130 – 1200 | LUNCH | |
SIMA – Solomon Islands Maritime Authority
PO Box 1932 – Solomon Islands
(677) 21535
contact@sima.gov.sb