The students of the Fiji National University’s Fiji Maritime Academy will have access to better facilities with the school undertaking major upgrades.

Vice Chancellor Professor Nigel Healey says the FNU will be investing $15 million dollars on the construction of a three-storey teaching facility at the academy.

Professor Healey adds Fiji is a maritime nation and needs the best cadets, engineers, navigators and sea captains.

The three storey building will have labs on ground floor including marine high voltage room, safety and survival equipment labs, computer labs, fisheries lab and an open foyer.

The upper two levels will have lecture rooms as well and a car park area.
A contract was signed between the University and Sambhu Lal Construction Ltd who will be carrying out the construction work.

Along with this investment, FNU has also introduced two new Level 5 Diploma progarmmes; Diploma in Nautical Science and Diploma in Marine Engineering for the students.

The University has also launched a new Certificate IV in Shipbuilding.
Professor Healey says with the expansion of facility, the university is also working to include bachelors programme in the same area.

The project is funded by the government.