Samoa Ports Authority has honoured one of its employees after she graduated from the National University of Samoa's School of Maritime to become the first female marine captain in the country. 

The S.P.A. gave an award to the mother of two, Ioana Paulo Avefua of Puleia on Wednesday this week in recognition of her accomplishment after her graduation from the N.U.S. last week. 

The 35-year-old has completed the assessment to become a marine captain and now holds a Certificate IV in Master Class 5 from the N.U.S. School of Maritime, according to a media statement issued by the S.P.A.

The award was presented in the presence of the S.P.A. Board of Directors as well as the management and staff and her family members.

Giving the address to mark the occasion, the Chairman of the SPA Board of Directors, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, congratulated Mrs. Avefua on behalf of the S.P.A. for her determination and perseverance to achieve this milestone.

"This is a very monumental day marking a story of determination and perseverance. Empowering women and proud historical development for S.P.A. Captain Ioana has concentrated on the core values, pushing herself, breaking barriers, prospering equality and embracing the diversity amongst all of us," said Chairman Tuiloma Slade.

"Capt. Ioana, Malo, faafetai ta'imua, ia manuia lou alo atu i lenei galuega ma tofiga taua. Alofagia e le Atua lau galuega ma lou tomai".

She describes her graduation as a testament to her determination to break barriers and remove any stereotypes that are associated with her newly acquired profession.

"I stand here not as a captain but as a symbol of unlimited potential that exists in each and every one of us, breaking barriers, status quo and stereotype and proving that gender is not a limitation," said Mrs. Avefua. "The sky is not the limit, it is only the beginning of our journey." 

Emphasising that she is excited at the new prospects that come with the job, following her graduation from the university's Maritime School, the captain said she will strive to uphold the values of Integrity, excellence and compassion. She also said she is honoured to have the trust of her "maritime family" as well as their love and support as she moves up the ranks in a male-dominated industry.

As a professionally trained captain, Mrs. Avefua is now qualified to pilot tugboats that operate in and around the waters of Samoa, especially around Samoa's main international port at Matautu. Mrs. Avefua started her career with S.P.A. on 1 July 2013 when she was appointed as an Able Bodied Seaman. She became a marine captain trainee in 2018, and in July got promoted to the position of Pilot Trainee before her graduation last week.