Mavis Elizabeth Vandhana Joseph-Logavatu believes strongly that in any given situation, there is good — take it.
After acquiring her law degree as well as her Professional Diploma in Legal Practice and Professional Diploma in Legislative Drafting from the University of the South Pacific, she set off on her journey into the maritime workforce.
“I joined the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in 2005 as the legal officer and then the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF) in Nadi in 2007 as its legal enforcement manager,” she says.
“Then I moved back to Suva and joined the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) in 2012 as the legal risks and audit officer.”
Ms Logavatu later joined a nine-month program to pursue her Master in International Maritime Law at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) in Malta.
“Apart from acquiring my Master’s degree, I also received the Professor Walter Miller Prize for Best Legislative Drafting project. I was the only person from the Pacific in my class, so it was great having the recognition not only as a Fijian but as a person from the Pacific,” she says.
Ms Logavatu returned to Fiji In June 2015 and continued working for MSAF for two and a half years before joining the Pacific Community (SPC) in March 2018 as the IMO Technical Cooperation Officer, a position she currently holds.
She says one can have different role models for different stages and spaces in one’s life.
“As a starting point, it was my father who really set the foundation for me in terms of characteristics. He was always kind and had empathy and never hesitated to help others.
“He also ingrained in me to believe in myself and my decisions.
“In my career, the person who has had the biggest impact in my life is Mr Isei Tudreu. He taught me what professionalism is in the workplace, to pick up the good and forget the bad in any situation and always keep the State’s interest at heart.”
Her biggest achievement was being the chairperson of the Pacific Women in Maritime Association (PacWIMA) from April 2016-April 2018.
“I was privileged to be part of the PacWIMA executive team. From PNG was Dinah Inape-Omenefa (who is now the chairperson of PacWIMA), Samoa – Jordanna Mareko, Tonga – Kelela Tonga, Solomon Islands – Tanny Saepio and Niue – Sidney Lui.
There was strong guidance from SPC that set the groundwork for what PacWIMA is now.
“In December 2021, the 32nd session of the IMO Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming an International Day for Women in Maritime to be observed on May 18 every year.”
Logavatu’s advice to young women and girls is to focus on school and maintain good grades.
“Find a mentor or mentors who can guide you. Have a learning spirit and in everything you do, give it your 100 per cent and do it with a clean heart.”
