News
Fiji’s Premier Dive Resort Kicks Off 2025 in Style: A Commitment to Excellence in Marine Safety and Training

As 2025 dawns, Fiji’s premier dive destination, Volivoli Beach Resort, is kicking off the year with a bang. In an exciting and meaningful display of commitment to both staff development and marine safety, twenty-four (24) of the resort’s crew and interns, including members from the security and mechanical teams, have successfully completed the prestigious Marine Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) Boat Master and Restricted Master Engineer Class 6 (RME6) Captain course. This rigorous, hands-on training program marked an essential milestone in their professional journey and highlights Volivoli Beach Resort’s dedication to ongoing education and excellence in the diving and watersports sector.
An In-Depth, Hands-On Experience
The training, a blend of classroom theory and practical workshops, ensured that participants were kept engaged and challenged at every turn. Topics covered during the course were both comprehensive and crucial for any maritime professional. These included key areas such as duty of the master, safety equipment usage, voyage planning, weather forecasting, and emergency procedures. Students also learned the practical skills of boat handling—berthing, unberthing, anchoring procedures, and much more.
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the course was the hands-on experience provided through multiple practical exams that were conducted both on land and at sea. This ensured that each participant could apply theoretical knowledge in real-world conditions, further reinforcing the importance of safety, professionalism, and teamwork in the marine environment.
A Proud Achievement
Volivoli Beach Resort’s Sales and Marketing Manager, Simon Doughty, spoke with pride about the resort’s continuous effort to invest in its people and the local community. “Following the ethos of continual improvement, ongoing education, and investment in the local community, we are proud to be recognized not only as Fiji’s most qualified and experienced dive and watersports operator, but also as one of the world’s premier dive operations,” Simon shared.
The training initiative exemplifies the resort’s dedication to professional excellence. By empowering its team with the skills and certifications needed to operate safely and effectively, Volivoli Beach Resort ensures that every guest has a world-class experience in the healthy vibrant waters surrounding Fiji.
A Show of Local Support
The course’s completion was marked by an official graduation and presentation ceremony, where the attendees were honored by the presence of Tu Ko Navitilevu Ratu Emori Bolobolo. His attendance underscored the importance of investing in local communities and the significant impact that such initiatives have on both the resort and the nation of Fiji as a whole.
“Vinaka vakalevu” (a heartfelt thank you) was extended to the Marine Safety Authority of Fiji for their guidance and expertise throughout the course. This collaboration not only enhanced the knowledge of the participants but also fostered a deeper relationship between the resort and Fiji’s maritime safety authorities.
As one of the leading dive resorts in Fiji, Volivoli Beach Resort continues to set the bar high when it comes to safety, service, and community development. The completion of the MSAF Boat Master and RME6 course is just one of many steps Volivoli Beach Resort has taken to ensure that its team remains at the forefront of the diving and watersports industry, providing guests with an experience that is both safe and unforgettable.
In an industry where expertise is paramount, Volivoli Beach Resort is proving time and again that it’s not just about offering world-class diving experiences—it’s about continuously investing in people, training, and safety to ensure that the waters remain as pristine and safe as they are beautiful.
Looking Ahead
As the resort looks to the future, it remains committed to upholding its reputation as one of the most qualified dive operations globally. With a strong focus on local development, marine conservation, and industry-leading standards, 2025 is poised to be another year of success, growth, and remarkable achievements for Volivoli Beach Resort and its incredible team.
For those looking to dive into an unforgettable adventure while knowing that safety, professionalism, and environmental stewardship are top priorities, Volivoli Beach Resort promises an experience like no other—one that is founded on skill, education, and the spirit of community.
About Volivoli Beach Resort:
Volivoli Beach Resort is Fiji’s Premier Dive Resort, located in the stunning Suncoast region right on the Bligh Water, Fiji’s # 1 Dive Region. Known for its expert dive guides, breathtaking underwater landscapes, and commitment to sustainability, Volivoli Beach Resort offers both novice and experienced divers unparalleled access to some of the world’s most vibrant marine ecosystems.
Drop their team a line at any time at res@volivoli.com – or check them out at www.volivoli.com – it may just be your best decision in 2025!
Marine Life & Conservation
IUCN Spotlights Green Fins at Bali Ocean Days 2025, Calling for Stronger Business Model in Marine Conservation

IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Global Ocean Director, Minna Epps, has spotlighted Green Fins Indonesia along with a call for stronger business models that sustain marine conservation. Speaking at the inaugural session of Bali Ocean Days 2025 held on 7-8 February, Epps emphasised the need for sustainable financing to support and scale marine conservation initiatives such as Green Fins.
Activities earlier in the week with the Coral Triangle Center in Sanur and Ceningan Divers in the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area shaped the IUCN Ocean Director’s message at the conference and showcase, aligning with the theme of the blue economy and impact finance to sustain marine ecosystems.
“Tourism has such a big impact on marine biodiversity, and we need it to adhere to a certain code of conduct,” Epps said. “That is why through our funding facilities, we worked with The Reef-World Foundation advancing Green Fins so dive operators can become certified with standards. But this kind of initiative has been around for a long time and it’s also a tool used to improve [MPA management], but it needs to come with a business model. I also believe in market-based instruments to evolve this programme.”
IUCN’s visit is part of their Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF), which supports at least 21 projects around the world, building the business case for investing in the future of our ocean.
In Indonesia, the project supported by IUCN was developed in partnership with The Reef-World Foundation, the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) and the Coral Triangle Center, which serves as the local implementing organisation for Green Fins. The initiative engages marine tourism businesses through voluntary sustainability certification based on the only internationally recognised environmental standards for diving and snorkelling operations. Green Fins’ activities aim to reduce negative environmental impacts associated with marine tourism activities as well as improve the management of marine protected areas.
IUCN’s promotion of Green Fins in Bali Ocean Days signals the need for greater private sector engagement in marine conservation across Indonesia and beyond.
Investors, donors, marine tourism operators and stakeholders looking to support scalable marine conservation solutions are encouraged to explore opportunities with The Reef-World Foundation, the international coordinator of the Green Fins initiative. To learn more about sustainable marine tourism and how to get involved, visit www.reef-world.org.
About Reef-World
The Reef-World Foundation is a registered UK charity which delivers practical solutions for marine conservation around the world. The charity promotes the wise use of natural resources – particularly coral reefs and related ecosystems – for the benefit of local communities, visitors and future generations. It is dedicated to supporting, inspiring and empowering governments, businesses, communities and individuals around the world to act in conserving and sustainably developing coastal resources.
Reef-World leads the global implementation of the UN Environment Programme’s Green Fins initiative, which focuses on driving environmentally friendly scuba diving and snorkelling practices across the industry globally. As such, the charity provides low-cost and practical solutions to local and industry-wide environmental challenges associated with the marine tourism industry. It provides education and capacity-building assistance to empower environmental champions (within the diving industry, local communities, authorities and governments) to implement proven coastal resource management approaches.
Visit www.reef-world.org to learn more or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and X.
About Green Fins
Green Fins is a proven conservation management approach – spearheaded by The Reef-World Foundation in partnership with the UN Environment Programme – which leads to a measurable reduction in the negative environmental impacts associated with the marine tourism industry. The initiative aims to protect and conserve coral reefs through environmentally friendly guidelines that promote a sustainable diving and snorkelling tourism industry. It provides the only internationally recognised environmental standards for the diving and snorkelling industry and has a robust assessment system to measure compliance.
Green Fins encourages and empowers members of the diving industry to act to reduce the pressures on coral reefs by offering dive and snorkel companies practical, low-cost alternatives to harmful practices – such as anchoring, fish feeding and chemical pollution – as well as providing strategic training, support and resources. By reducing the local direct and indirect pressures tourism puts on coral reefs, it helps make corals healthier and more resilient to other stresses such as the effects of climate change. Look for the Green Fins logo when booking your next dive trip.Visit www.greenfins.net to learn more or follow the initiative on Facebook, Instagram and X.
News
Filming 360 in The Bahamas

In December 2024, the Shark Trust had a very special opportunity to film sharks and rays in The Bahamas. Frogfish Photography are the Bahamas Dive Ambassadors for the UK. And Caroline, Deputy Editor at Scubaverse, is the Marketing Manager at the Shark Trust. So, when the need arose to film footage of several species of shark and ray for a new Shark Trust project, The Bahamas seemed the perfect fit. A huge thank you is needed here to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. As they stepped in to fully support the trip both financially and practically. Ensuring that the filming expedition ran smoothly, and that we got as much time as possible in the water with sharks and rays, during the 10 day, 3 island trip.
The Bahamas is famous for its sharks and rays. Divers flock there to experience getting up close to a range of species. Our itinerary saw us visit Nassau, Bimini and Grand Bahama. It packed in as many in-water experiences as possible and had us dive, snorkel, and even take a submarine to experience them in a variety of different habitats and to capture them on film. We saw 148 sharks and rays from 8 different species (all of which have been logged on the Shark Trust Shark Log!).
But why were we there? The expedition was designed to fulfil the needs of two new projects being launched by the Shark Trust in 2025. The filming done underwater on this trip was the start of creating OneOcean360: A Shark Story. A new 360 immersive experience designed primarily for immersive domes and planetariums. The film will be the nearest experience to getting in the water with sharks and rays without getting wet! It will bring the world of sharks to an audience that may never get the chance to experience it first-hand. A Shark Story aims to deepen people’s understanding of sharks, uncovering and illustrating why they are so wonderful as well as being vital to marine ecosystems.
The film is being made in collaboration with Real Immersive. Also based in Plymouth, they have an immersive dome and are providing the technical expertise behind creating this unique experience. Reviewing the footage in the dome has been an invaluable part of the process. Both inspiring the team and allow us to refine the filming techniques to suit this immersive theatre.
You might imagine that we are using expensive cameras and even more expensive housings. But this is not the case. The entire project is being filmed using Insta360 X4 cameras. With only a few simple additions to the standard dive setup. The INON weight plate allowed us to attach this camera to a dive weight, set it down on sand or wreck, and then swim away and let the sharks be the stars. And the results are very exciting. The film will be ready this autumn. It will be accompanied by an educational pack for teachers to take away after school trips to see the film. Encouraging all those that see it to continue learning about these incredible animals.
You can support the creation of OneOcean360: A Shark Story by heading to the crowdfunder page and donating or selecting a reward.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/a-shark-story
Read about the shark and ray dives we did on Nassau, Bimini and Grand Bahama in our next blog post coming soon on Scubaverse.
-
Gear Reviews1 month ago
Gear Review: SurfEars 4
-
News3 months ago
Santa Divers take the Plunge for Charity
-
Marine Life & Conservation2 months ago
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
-
Blogs2 months ago
Jeff Goodman Launches Underwater Moviemaker Course with NovoScuba
-
News2 months ago
Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving
-
Blogs2 months ago
Experience Malta and Gozo in 2025: A Paradise for Divers and Culture Lovers
-
Blogs3 months ago
The Benefits of Underwater Photography Workshops
-
Blogs3 months ago
Discover Curaçao with the Ultimate Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition