From Fiji Sun (27 January 2025)

Captain Mario's 37-Year Voyage

"I passed my master five at the Fiji School of Maritime in 1990 and completed Master 4 in 2007," he said.

by Waisea Nasokia

At 60, Filikesa Paolo Mario has become a familiar name among tourists enjoying the Whales Tale schooner cruises in the picturesque Mamanuca Islands.

Hailing from Noa’tau village in Rotuma, Mr Mario has captained the vessel for 37 years, holding a Master Class 4 qualification.

He joined the Whales Tale in 1983 after helping rebuild the vessel and began sailing in 1984 as a deckhand before working his way up to captain.

“It’s the people that keep me motivated,” Mr Mario said.

“Tourism is our number one. We do our best to serve everyone on board, and when the weather is good, everyone enjoys it.”

The vessel, owned by American, Paul Myers, was first built in the 1970s by renowned boat builder Jack Morris in Savusavu.

After being towed to Suva in 1972, it operated cruises until 1978 before undergoing significant rebuilding in 1983.

Over the years, Mr Mario has seen the crew grow from six to nine members and witnessed the schooner shift its routes from inter-island and Pacific voyages, including trips to Hawaii and Tonga, to its current cruises between Port Denarau and Schooner Island.

Born and raised on Rotuma, Mr Mario attended Sumi Primary School and Rotuma High School before moving to Viti Levu in 1982 for higher education.

He studied boat building at the Derrick Institute (Former Fiji Institute of technology) and apprenticed at Whippy’s before joining the Whales Tale.

“I passed my master five at the Fiji School of Maritime in 1990 and completed Master 4 in 2007,” he said.

“I decided not to pursue further grades. This role and the company of tourists are enough for me.”

Married for 37 years, Mr Mario has two sons, a daughter, and three granddaughters.

Despite his lifelong passion for the sea, he has discouraged his children from following his path, citing the sacrifices captains make during cyclone warnings.

“We must leave our families to ensure the ship’s safety,” he said.

“That’s not something I wanted for my children.”