The Fiji Navy Search & Rescue Operations Enhanced by Helipro

The Fiji Navy Search & Rescue operation is already equipped with the skills and know-how to keep you safe while cruising Fiji’s waters. This essential service has been further enhanced with the addition of aerial support provided by Helipro.

In addition to the luxurious charter helicopter service offered by the company, Helipro has been working closely with the Government of Fiji to enhance the existing Search & Rescue operations. These services include professional training at all levels of search & rescue procedures.

Fiji Navy Search & Rescue Team

A selected team of highly skilled Navy divers has been put through a course of theory and flight drills for 6 hours, with the Navy team successfully completing all facets of the program. Further training programs have been organized for more advanced search & rescue skill sets to ensure maximum life saving capabilities. Helipro are strategically locating bases in Savusavu & Pacific Harbour to ensure maximum coverage of the Fijian Islands.

Fiji now has highly skilled rescue pilots hailing from New Zealand & Australia that collectively have 140 years of experience in search and rescue. Together with the skills of the Fiji Navy, Search & Rescue operations in Fiji will now be world class.

In-flight practical training

The additional support service provides a significant feeling of comfort to those wishing to cruise the far-flung islands of the archipelago; should disaster strike, you can be rescued and transported speedily to hospital courtesy of the partnership between the Fiji Navy and Helipro.

More recently, Helipro have been involved in a joint program between Act for Peace and the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) that was funded by AusAID as part of a Logistics Response and Preparedness Project.

Helipro pilots give the team their briefing

The National Disaster Management Office, within the Ministry for Provincial Development is the section responsible for the day-to-day operations of Disaster management. The office is charged with the responsibility to carry out the policies of the NDMC with regard to disaster preparedness, mitigation, prevention and actual emergency operations, relief and rehabilitation during disasters.

This first step in the progressive training, (which will include trainings in both the west and northern parts of Fiji in the near future) involved helicopter safety, working in and around helicopters and emergency procedures. The program will be developed to include sling loads, air observer and air crew with winching operations, human sling and Medivac.

So while cruising Fiji’s waters, you can relax in the knowledge that we have some highly trained professionals standing by to come to your rescue, should disaster strike.