Taking the Plunge: Cathy and Josh Find Shared Future in Scuba and a Passion for the Ocean

Jun 9, 2026 | News | 0

Cathy Savei, a determined ni-Vanuatu woman from Ambrym Island, and Joshua Ernst, a professional diver and businessman from Australia have turned a competition into a collaboration. Together, through Big Blue Dive Vanuatu, they are not only shaping scuba divers, but driving marine conservation in the country. This is their story.

Cathy

At 27 years old, I work as the Operations Manager at Big Blue Vanuatu, where I oversee daily operations and ensure everything runs smoothly.

Beyond operations, I’m also a scuba diving instructor. I teach people how to dive, from beginners taking their first breath underwater to advanced divers building their skills, and it’s something I once only dreamed of doing. But I only got to where I am from meeting Josh.

Josh

I’ve called Vanuatu home for most of my life. I arrived here at just two weeks old in 1986 and grew up here before moving to Australia in 1998 to complete my education and begin my career.

I returned in 2013, drawn back not just by opportunity but by a deep connection to the place I’ve always considered home. My family’s roots here date back to the post-independence years, with my uncle, Joe Ernst, in farming, and my father, Roy Ernst, contributing to Port Vila’s restaurant scene, starting with the Waterfront before redesigning and running Rossi Restaurant.

Diving, which began as a hobby, eventually led me to leave my previous profession and pursue what I love. Today, I’m proud to be the owner of Big Blue, with Cathy leading operations by my side.

Cathy

I always wanted to scuba dive, but I didn’t have the money to pursue it. That changed when I was introduced to a scholarship opportunity under the Professional Association of Diving Instructors by a friend. I took a leap of faith and left my catering job to join the dive industry.

From there, everything moved quickly. I went from learning how to dive at Big Blue Vanuatu to becoming an instructor in 2024, and now I manage operations. It wasn’t planned, but it feels like I ended up exactly where I was meant to be.

Josh

Diving has always been a part of my life. I was first certified when I was around 15 with Nautilus Watersports Vanuatu, and even though I stepped in and out of it over the years, the ocean always pulled me back.

Eventually, I decided to make a career change and fully commit to diving. That decision led me to Big Blue Vanuatu, where I started working, then managing and eventually had the opportunity to buy the business.

Cathy

When Josh first arrived at Big Blue in 2023, I didn’t think much of it, just another person joining the team.

But over time, especially during our training, we started to interact more. That’s when the competition began.

Josh

At the time, there weren’t many women in the dive industry, so seeing her stand out the way she did was noticeable.

She was strong, direct, and not afraid to speak her mind. There was even a moment early on where she told me off and honestly, that’s when I realised she was a natural leader.

Cathy

We were both going through dive master training at the same time, and it became a constant challenge of who would come out on top. I always won, of course.

Even during our instructor training, we’d compare scores after every session. It didn’t matter what we were doing, we always wanted to know who did better.

Josh

Our rivalry became so obvious that even our course director noticed it. Every task, every skill, we’d push ourselves harder because the other person was there.

There was one moment I was convinced I had done perfectly, only for Cathy to beat me. I couldn’t believe it, and the banter that followed is still one of the funniest memories we share.

Cathy

Now, our roles have changed. Josh runs the business and I handle operations, making sure everything from staffing to schedules is aligned. It’s a lot of responsibility, but I’ve grown into it. And even though we still compete in small ways, we’ve learned how to work together.

One of the things I’m most proud of is bringing local divers back into the water. Diving can be expensive and not everyone has access to it. Together, we’ve worked on making it more accessible, and seeing more local faces in the diving community means a lot to me.

Josh

Cathy is the backbone of Big Blue. Though I might be the one making decisions, she’s the one making sure everything happens – she is the wheels of the operation and I am the driver. Having someone who understands both the diving and the business side gives me confidence. It’s not just about running a company, but building something sustainable.

We’ve also focused heavily on marine conservation. Just recently, we cleaned up nearly 200 kilograms of debris from the ocean and have been tackling crown-of-thorns outbreaks and rehabilitating corals – we’re trying to protect the resource that we rely on. For us, diving isn’t just a business, it’s a responsibility. Without healthy reefs, there is no future for what we do.

Cathy

There have been challenges, especially coming from different backgrounds. Sometimes I struggle with communication or certain situations, and I lean on Josh for support. Having someone who listens and helps without judgment has made a big difference in how I’ve grown, both personally and professionally.

We are like brother and sister. We argue, we compete, we don’t always agree but we trust each other. At the end of the day, we know we’re working toward the same goal, and that’s what keeps us moving forward.

Josh

One of the biggest challenges Cathy faced was stepping into leadership as a young woman in a male-dominated environment. It wasn’t always easy for others to accept. But she proved herself through her work. I’ve always told her: lead by example, stay consistent and eventually people will follow.

People at work call us Tom and Jerry, and it fits. There’s always banter, always a bit of back-and-forth, but underneath it is a strong partnership. That dynamic is what makes us effective. We challenge each other, and that’s how we improve.

Cathy

There was a time when just having Josh beside me gave me confidence. Even when I couldn’t find the words, I knew I had someone who would support me. That kind of trust is hard to find and it’s something I don’t take for granted.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to take from our story, it’s that if I can do it, others can too. You don’t always start with everything you need, but if you take the opportunity when it comes, it can change your life.

Josh

Watching Cathy lead projects now is inspiring. I can step back, trust her decisions, and know that everything will be handled. Seeing her growth from when we first started to where she is now — it’s something I’m genuinely proud of. She’s a very good mentor for our upcoming ni-Vanuatu divemasters.

For me, it’s about teamwork and trust. We got to where we are because we supported each other and recognised each other’s strengths.

Cathy

We’re both proud to continue creating space for local people to grow into leadership. What we’ve built works because of trust and a shared passion for the ocean, and the more we continue with that, the stronger Big Blue – as a business and a representative of our community – will become.

SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Skills competition brings Pacific nations together in Vanuatu October 21, 2026
Vanuatu has welcomed young skilled competitors from across the Pacific for the 2026 Vanuatu National Skills Competition and International Friendly Skills Competition, which opened in Port Vila yesterday, October 19. Competitors from Timor-Leste, Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Nauru and Kiribati have joined Vanuatu participants for the competition, which aims to promote practical skills, technical education and training opportunities for young people. Chairman of the organising committee and Vanuatu Institute of Technology (VIT) Principal Wade Evans said the competition was an opportunity for young people to demonstrate how practical skills could contribute to national development and improve people’s lives. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Evans said the event was not only about the organisers but, more importantly, about the young people who had volunteered to represent their countries. “This competition is something that we in the Pacific, we humanists, we young, we small countries, we can make a difference by excelling in skills,” he said. He said the competition could inspire young people and communities to recognise the importance of skills in improving family livelihoods and creating opportunities for individuals. Evans also acknowledged Timor-Leste for inspiring Vanuatu to organise its own international skills competition after a Vanuatu delegation participated in a similar event there earlier this year. He thanked the organising committee, Pacific Australia Skills, the Ministry of Education and Training, Vanuatu Skills Partnership and Vanuatu Qualifications Authority for their support in bringing the event together. The competition will also feature other activities during the week, including a fashion show on Tuesday, a panel discussion on Wednesday covering artificial intelligence, green skills and skills in schools, and a cultural performance by VIT students on Thursday. Evans said the activities would demonstrate the connection between practical skills and culture, while giving visiting delegations opportunities to exchange experiences and build relationships. Representing the Minister of Education and Training, Simil Johnson, newly elected Ambae Member of Parliament (MP) Howard Aru welcomed the international competitors and recognised the efforts of Vanuatu’s national participants. MPAru said the competition provided an opportunity to celebrate the contribution skilled workers make to the country’s development. He said the Government’s proposed 60:40 plan aimed to strengthen skills development within the national curriculum, with trials already under way at three schools. Aru said Vanuatu needed skilled people who could build, install, maintain, produce and repair, as well as solve problems, manage businesses and introduce new ideas into their communities. “Practical skills help families earn an income. Businesses improve their services,” he said. He said technical and vocational education and training should be recognised as valuable pathways to further education, employment and business opportunities. Aru also stressed the importance of preparing young people for changing workplace demands, including digital technologies, renewable energy and sustainable practices. He said schools, training providers, employers and communities needed to work together to ensure young people received relevant training and opportunities to apply their skills. Drawing on his own experience as a parent, Aru said he strongly believed in skills education after encouraging his son to pursue a skills-based pathway rather than a conventional academic route. He said his son was now working with a company in Port Vila, and his friends had also become interested in skills training after seeing the pathway he had taken. Aru said climate change challenges and the needs of local businesses would continue to create opportunities for skilled workers in Vanuatu. He encouraged competitors to prepare carefully, work safely, manage their time and focus on the quality of their work, while respecting fellow competitors and learning from the experience. He also called on employers and industry partners to continue supporting skills development and strengthening the connection between training institutions and the workplace. The 2026 Vanuatu National Skills Competition and International Friendly Skills Competition was officially declared open by MP Aru. The event is expected to provide a platform for competitors, trainers and visiting delegations to exchange knowledge, strengthen regional partnerships and promote the value of technical and vocational education across the Pacific. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Women Demand Action on Gender Equality Ahead of 2029 Elections October 19, 2026
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Male Insecurity Can Lead to Harmful Decisions, Therapist Warns October 19, 2026
Psychotherapist Sue Harris says unresolved feelings of insecurity, guilt and shame can influence men’s decisions and behaviour, making family support and positive male role models important in helping boys develop healthy self-worth. Her comments follow Dr Sale Vurobaravu’s warning about men practising silicone injections, which he said could have serious consequences for their lives. The issue has raised broader questions about the factors that may contribute to such behaviour among men in Vanuatu. Harris, a registered psychotherapist with a Master of Arts degree, said some men struggled with feelings of inadequacy and self-blame, even when they worked hard and tried to meet expectations. She said these feelings could influence their decisions, particularly if they had grown up without emotional support, encouragement or a strong sense of belonging. In more than three years of practice, Harris said she had seen men open up about their struggles and become emotional while sharing experiences that had deeply affected them. She explained that guilt and shame could lead men to believe they were not good enough, potentially influencing decisions that could harm their lives. Harris identified family separation and divorce as factors that could affect a child’s development and influence decisions later in life. She said children who grew up without feeling loved, praised or supported could struggle with their self-worth as adults. Harris said positive male role models were particularly important for boys, especially when their fathers were absent. Joining a football team, participating in gardening or spending time with a trusted male figure could help boys build positive relationships and receive guidance as they grew up. “Boys need positive male figures in their lives,” she said, explaining that while women did their best to support children, positive male involvement also played an important role in boys’ development. Harris said some men continued to feel inadequate despite being hardworking because they believed they were failing to meet the standards expected of them. She said providing children with a safe home where they could express themselves freely and receive encouragement was fundamental to helping them make healthier decisions in the future. Harris said therapy could help men address unresolved emotional struggles, but the process should not focus solely on the individual experiencing trauma or stress. Families also needed to examine their relationships, behaviour and home environments to support lasting change, she said. She said addressing harmful behaviour required a broader change in family systems rather than expecting individuals to overcome the effects of their experiences alone. Harris provides clinical supervision to counsellors, support workers and community workers, as well as employee assistance counselling for non-government organisations, businesses and community organisations. Her comments point to the importance of addressing emotional struggles and family circumstances while encouraging men to seek support and families to provide healthier environments for children. SOURCE: VANUATU DAILY POST

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Rural women celebrated for strengthening communities, driving economies October 16, 2026
Rural women’s contributions to community wellbeing, economic development and local leadership were celebrated during a three-day International Rural Women’s Day event held at Eratap, Efate, under the theme, “Rural women rise up: Strong women, strong community.” The event was attended by Deputy Australian High Commissioner to Vanuatu Emily Fisher, Assistant Secretary General (SG) of the SHEFA Provincial Government Council (SPGC) Liah Kaltoi, members of Silae Vanua Association and community members. Deputy High Commissioner Fisher applauded rural women’s contributions to keeping their communities healthy and strong. She reaffirmed the Australian Government’s continued support for projects across Vanuatu that empower women in rural communities. SPGC Assistant SG Kaltoi reaffirmed the provincial council’s commitment to working with the Government and its development partners to address challenges faced by rural women, particularly in accessing markets for their agricultural produce. She acknowledged that, despite women’s valuable contributions to the province and the country, no women are currently represented on the provincial council. Kaltoi expressed hope that women would unite to secure provincial-level representation and become a voice for other women. She encouraged women across the province to support one another, work collectively and take steps towards achieving representation on the provincial council. Department of Women’s Affairs (DWA) SHEFA Provincial Officer Lilgai Laliet acknowledged rural women’s contributions through producing and selling local food and other agricultural produce. She also recognised the support development partners provide to women-led organisations such as Silae Vanua, which works with rural women to strengthen their empowerment and economic participation. Laliet recognised the role men and boys play in supporting rural women, saying that empowering women requires a collective commitment from families, communities, government and development partners. She said rural women’s work deserved recognition and continued support, as their contributions extended beyond their households to strengthening communities and supporting national development. On behalf of the Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services, Laliet officially opened the three-day celebration. The event also featured information booths where women could learn about available services, support and opportunities. Participating organisations, including banks and the Vanuatu Women’s Centre, provided information on financial services and other forms of support to help women strengthen their economic participation and wellbeing.

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Child sexual abuse: Vanuatu cannot afford to look away October 15, 2026
Child sexual abuse cases have revealed a disturbing pattern: children are being abused not by strangers, but by people they know and trust, including fathers, relatives, teachers and others in positions of responsibility. Vanuatu cannot undo the sexual abuse many children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. With the Child Protection Bill before Parliament this month, Members of Parliament (MPs) have an important opportunity to strengthen protections for children and ensure a stronger response to abuse. The Ministry of Justice, Youth and Community Services (MOJYCS) says recent cases demonstrate the need for a stronger national response, including protection and support for children beyond the criminal prosecution of offenders. A five-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by her father, who was sentenced to five years and six months in prison in August this year. That same month, a grandfather was sentenced to more than four years in prison for sexually abusing his granddaughter. In September, a former teacher was sentenced for sexual offences against two 15-year-old students. In March, a man was sentenced for raping a 12-year-old girl. The abuse resulted in her pregnancy. These are among the child sexual abuse cases reported in Vanuatu’s newspapers in 2026. The Ministry says they represent only part of the problem. The Vanuatu Women’s Centre’s national survey, released in March 2026, found that nearly one in three women (30 per cent) had experienced sexual abuse before the age of 15. The MOJYCS says many children never disclose what has happened to them, particularly when the perpetrator is someone they love, fear or depend on. “We cannot continue to treat these cases as isolated tragedies. Child sexual abuse is a serious and widespread problem that demands a stronger national response,” the Ministry says. A prison sentence is not a child protection plan The Ministry argues that reports of criminal convictions reveal much less about what happens to the children themselves after abuse is discovered. “The cases reported in the newspapers tell us something about how Vanuatu’s criminal justice system responds to child sexual abuse. But they tell us much less about what happens to the children themselves,” MOJYCS says. Referring to the five-year-old girl whose father was sentenced for sexually assaulting her, the Ministry says the court’s decision explains the consequences for the perpetrator but does not establish what protection was put in place when the abuse came to light, whether other children were at risk or what support was available to help her recover. These questions, the Ministry says, are just as important as the criminal prosecution. The MOJYCS describes a situation in which a girl tells her teacher that someone at home has been sexually abusing her. She is frightened to return home, her mother may be financially dependent on the perpetrator, and younger children in the household may also be at risk. “The police can investigate the crime. But who assesses whether she is safe to go home that afternoon? Who helps her family find a safe way forward? Who ensures she receives medical care, counselling and ongoing support? And who follows up to make sure she remains safe?” the Ministry asks. “These questions cannot wait months or years for a criminal trial to conclude.” Vanuatu already has laws criminalising rape, incest and other sexual offences. Police, prosecutors and courts play an essential role in investigating crimes and holding perpetrators accountable. However, the MOJYCS says criminal investigations and child protection responses serve different purposes. “A criminal investigation asks whether an offence was committed and who is responsible. A child protection response must ask a different, equally urgent question: is this child safe, and what needs to happen now to protect them?” the Ministry says. “Protecting a child must begin when abuse comes to light, not when a perpetrator is convicted.” The Ministry says this is why the proposed Child Protection Bill matters. The Bill seeks to establish a stronger legal framework for protecting children at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation. It would establish clearer reporting responsibilities, strengthen the authority of child protection officers to assess and respond to abuse, and provide mechanisms for emergency protection, court orders and safe alternative care. The MOJYCS says these measures would establish clear responsibilities and provide the legal authority needed to intervene when a child is in danger. “A child who discloses sexual abuse needs more than a police investigation. That child needs to be safe tonight, tomorrow and in the months and years that follow,” the Ministry says. Parliament has an opportunity to act The MOJYCS recognises that families, chiefs, churches and communities all have important roles in protecting children. However, it says informal arrangements and goodwill are not always enough when abuse occurs within a family or community. Children need a system with clear legal responsibilities, trained professionals and the authority to intervene when their safety is at risk, the Ministry says. It also cautions that legislation alone will not end child sexual abuse. A strong Child Protection Bill must be backed by trained child protection officers, accessible services, effective referral pathways and sustained investment, including in rural and remote communities. Without these investments, the MOJYCS warns, the promise of stronger legal protection risks remaining just that — a promise. For children experiencing abuse, the Ministry says, the issues are not abstract questions about legislation or government responsibilities. They concern immediate safety, dignity, care and recovery. The MOJYCS says a child’s access to protection should not depend on where they live, whom they know or whether someone happens to be available to help when they disclose abuse. “To the MPs who will consider the Child Protection Bill this month: the children behind these headlines deserve more than our concern. They deserve action,” the Ministry says. “Vanuatu cannot undo the abuse these children have suffered. But it can decide what happens when the next child comes forward. “Pass a strong Child Protection Bill. Commit the resources needed to make it work. And ensure that when a read more…

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