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SPC Fisheries Education and Training Information Bulletin number 24 — August 2006 1

T R A I N I N GFisheries Education and

I N F O R M A T I O N B U L L E T I N

Number 24 — August 2006

Editor : Michel Blanc, Nearshore Development and Training Adviser, SPC, BP D5, 98848 Noumea Cedex, New Caledonia( P h o n e : + 6 8 7 2 6 2 0 0 0 ; F a x : + 6 8 7 2 6 3 8 1 8 ; E m a i l : M i c h e l B l @ s p c . i n t ) . W e b s i t e : h t t p : / / w w w . s p c . i n t /Printed with f inancia l ass i s tance from the Government of France and Austra l ia .

Contents

M a r i n e R e s o u r c e s D i v i s i o n – T r a i n i n g S e c t i o n

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

ISSN 1025 - 7438

Features

• Merging of two sections at the CoastalFisheries Programme ................................. p.2

• Tools for improved fishing vessel safety:The Torremolinos Protocol andthe STCW-F Convention ........................... p.2

Around the Training and EducationCentres

• Pacific Marine Educators Conference15-20 January 2007, Suva, Fiji .................. p.5

• Personal report - funded trainingat PNG Maritime College......................... p.5

• Vanuatu Maritime College looksback at 2005 .............................................. p.7

• Innovative training the way forwardfor fisheries .............................................. p.11

SPC Fisheries Training Activities

• Training needs assessments in Polynesiaand Papua New Guinea ........................... p.12

• Identification tool for horizontal longlinefishermen distributed ............................... p.13

• Other activities of the NearshoreDevelopment and Training Section ......... p.14

News from USP

• Development of new programmesin sustainable fisheries at the Universityof the South Pacific (USP) ...................... p.15

Welcome to a very informative issue of your SIG bulletin onFisheries Education and Training.

First, you will learn about the merging of two sections of theCoastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). After the Fifth Headsof Fisheries Meeting endorsed the new CFP Strategic Plan,two sections with a common focus (the Training andDevelopment Sections) were amalgamated to form theNearshore Fisheries Development and Training Section.

In this issue, the focus is on fishing vessel safety and the likelyimpacts of the Torremolinos Protocol and STCW-FConvention on the Pacific Islands. Obviously, the introductionof relevant standards for vessel safety and crew training canonly provide a safer working environment, wider employmentoptions, and a more sustainable livelihood for fishing vesselpersonnel. However, the change will have cost implicationsthat need to be considered and carefully assessed.

This issue also provides lively reports on the Section's mostrecent activities and on the other activities of the NearshoreDevelopment and Training Section.

As usual, you will read about courses, workshops or newprogrammes available from training institutions in ourregion. For example, on page 15 there is information aboutthe development of new programmes in sustainable fisheriesat the University of the South Pacific.

Finally, we look forward to receiving your comments, andcontributions for the next issue.

Happy reading!

SPC Fisheries Education and Training Information Bulletin number 24 — August 20062

FEATURES

Assisting SPC members in their commitment to applythe Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) to coastalfisheries and aquaculture by 2010.

At the Fifth Heads of Fisheries meeting, the abovestatement was endorsed as the main overall objectiveof the Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP) StrategicPlan for 2006-2009. Within CFP, the new focus onEAF, like the application of EAF itself, requires itsdifferent sections to work together in a more coor-dinated fashion.

Lindsay Chapman, a CFP staff member, was appoint-ed Manager of the programme in October 2005 toprovide integrative programme leadership. After theHeads of Fisheries endorsed the new CFP StrategicPlan, two sections with an existing common focus (theTraining and Development Sections) were amalga-mated to form the Nearshore Fisheries Developmentand Training Section. This merged section will addressobjective 3 of the Strategic Plan:

Assisting governments and administrations in the de-velopment of domestic nearshore commercial fisherieswithin a sustainable context.

It is expected that this rearrangement, together withthe implementation of EAF, will promote a moreholistic way of assessing and addressing the needs ofSPC member countries and territories in coastalfisheries and aquaculture.

The Nearshore Fisheries Development and TrainingSection consists of:

• a Project Assistant - Christine Bury• two Fisheries Development Officers - William

Sokimi and Steve Beverly• one Fisheries Development Officer (DEVFISH

project) - Jonathan Manieva• one Fisheries Training Adviser - Terii Luciani• one Nearshore Fisheries Development and Train-

ing Adviser - Michel Blanc

It is a well-known fact that fishing is one of themost dangerous occupations in the world. Thefollowing statistics from the International LabourOrganization (ILO), the International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) and the Food and AgricultureOrganization of the United Nations (FAO) clearlydemonstrate the extent of the safety problem in theglobal fishing industry.

• Each year there is an average of 24,000 fatalitiesand 24 million non-fatal accidents (non-fatalinjuries are grossly under-reported according tothe ILO).

• While fishing represents less than 1% of occupa-tions worldwide, 7% of all worker fatalities occurin the fishing industry.

• The fishing fatality rate is estimated at 80deaths/100,000 individuals per annum, whichis 79 times higher than the overall occupationalfatality rate.

The community nature of much of the world's fishingactivities, and the potentially devastating impact thathigh injury and fatality rates can have on fishing com-munities, is demonstrated by another set of statistics.

• In 1995, the total world fishing fleet (of all types)was about 3.8 million vessels.

• About 15 million people are employed aboardfishing vessels and about 98% of these people workon vessels less than 24 m in length.

• Most of the world's fishing fleet comprises boatsthat operate in artisanal fisheries.

According to the IMO, 80% of accidents are caused byhuman error and most of these errors can at some pointbe attributed to management deficiencies that createpre-conditions for accidents. Personnel must be effec-tively managed to ensure that they have appropriatetraining and that they work in accordance with rele-vant labour laws and agreed on conditions. The proce-

Merging of two sections at the Coastal Fisheries Programme

Tools for improved fishing vessel safety: The Torremolinos Protocol and theSTCW-F Convention


dures, methods and systems used on fishing vesselsmust be properly managed to ensure that they workeffectively and efficiently and produce the requiredoutcomes. Finally, the mechanical components involved(hull, machinery, fishing gear, etc.) must also be managedto ensure that they are properly maintained and performin accordance with their designed capacity.

The solutions for improving fishing vessel safety are thusstraightforward: seaworthy vessels, well-trained and com-petent crews, and safety-oriented management.Seaworthy boats are of critical importance, but it isnecessary to have standards for their design and con-struction, as well as for the vessel equipment andoutfitting. Along with these standards there must alsobe standards for maintenance and inspection; in otherwords, a regulatory system designed to oversee thefundamentals of safe operations. The standards mustbe universally adopted and this requires some sort ofinternational binding agreement. The TorremolinosConvention and its 1993 Protocol provide the neces-sary framework.

Just as important as the standards for the vessels, theremust be standards for the crew, their training, qualifi-cations and work methods. Because fishing is an indus-try that operates in open seas, interacts with othermaritime industries, and is global in operation, it is alsoimportant that common crew training standards beused, particularly when it comes to qualification andcertification. Those standards must be universally adopt-ed and recognised and the only way to do this is throughthe framework of an international convention. This isthe purpose of the Convention on Standards of Training,Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing VesselPersonnel, 1995 (STCW-F Convention).

The 1977 Torremolinos Convention and its 1993Protocol

The safety of fishing vessels has been a matter ofconcern to IMO since it came into existence. In 1977,the first ever international conference on the safety offishing vessels was held in Torremolinos, Spain. Theconference adopted the Torremolinos Convention (1977),which established a safety regime for fishing vessels ofmore than 24 metres. The Convention looked atconstruction standards and some safety related equipmentfor fishing vessels in a similar way that the Safety of Life atSea (SOLAS) Convention does for cargo and passengervessels. Found too stringent by the major fishing nations,however, the Convention was never ratified.

In 1993, a Protocol to the Convention was adopted(Torremolinos Protocol). The Protocol updates andamends the 1977 Convention taking into accounttechnological evolution and the need to take a prag-matic approach to encourage ratification of the Con-vention. The safety provisions of the Protocol coverconstruction, stability, machineries, fire protection,protection of crew, life saving equipment, emergencyprocedures, radio communications, navigation equip-ment, vessel certification and port state control. Someof the provisions are restricted to fishing vessels of morethan 45 m. To date, six states have ratified the Protocol(15 are required for its entry into force).

The 1995 STCW-F Convention

The STCW-F Convention complements the Tor-remolinos Protocol by setting the regulatory frame-work for the training and certification of fishingvessel personnel. STCW-F is the "sister" Conventionto the 1978 STCW Convention (training andcertification of seafarers), as amended in 1995, withsimilar provisions.

The STCW-F Convention addresses the training andcertification standards for skippers and watchkeeperson fishing vessels of more than 24 m, for engineers onvessels producing more than 750kW, and for crew incharge of radio communications. It also requires basic(pre-sea) safety training for all fishing vessel personnel.The Convention embraces the concept of competen-cy-based training. It does not deal with manning levels.Six states have so far ratified the STWC-F Convention(15 are required).

Document for Guidance on Training and Certifica-tion of Fishing Vessel Personnel

First published in 1985, and thoroughly revised in2001, the Document combines the conventions andrecommendations adopted by ILO and IMO with thewide practical experience of FAO in the field of fisher-men's training.

The Document is aligned with the provisions of theSTCW-F Convention. It provides guidance to set theframework for a training system for fishing vesselpersonnel appropriate to the size and nature of thefishery (all sizes of fishing vessels are covered). TheDocument addresses issues such as the methods oftraining and assessment (competency-based training ispromoted), the content and duration of training pro-

FEATURES


grammes, the competences to be assessed, and therequired experience and qualification for tutors. Thereis a strong emphasis on sustainability (FAO Code ofConduct), fatigue management, and the active in-volvement of all parties in training development.

The above instruments were promoted at a regionalseminar in late March, in Suva, Fiji, as part of aninitiative from the IMO to urge member governmentsto consider accepting the 1993 Torremolinos Protocoland the 1995 STCW-F Convention. This was theeighth in a series of nine regional seminars run byMilhar Fuazudeen (IMO Technical Officer) and Dav-id Harrod (Maritime Safety Consultant). Participantsincluded 10 maritime administrators, 8 training pro-viders, 3 fisheries administrators and 2 fishing opera-tors as well as staff from both SPC maritime and SPCfisheries programmes.

With regards to the likely impacts of Torremolinos andSTCW-F on Pacific Islands, several important pointswere made at the seminar.

• The Pacific Islands region is well ahead of otherregions in that it already has training and certifica-tion standards for fishing vessel personnel: acommon certification structure for trading andfishing vessels was developed by SPC's RegionalMaritime Programme in the mid-1990s through aconsultation process involving heads of marinedepartments and training institutions. It ismonitored on an ongoing basis through a sub-committee of the Pacific Islands Maritime Associ-ation (PacMa) (latest version is available fromSPC's Regional Maritime Programme).

• Training institutions in the region are alreadyfamiliar with the concept of competency-basedtraining, and a number of model training pro-grammes for fishing vessel personnel are availa-ble and being used throughout the region (e.g.SPC's safety certificate and SPC/Pacific IslandQualified Fishing Deckhand certificate). Thepre-sea induction training system used in PapuaNew Guinea for new vessel crew is also relevantas it is aligned with the requirements of STCW-F for basic pre-sea safety training for all fishingvessel personnel.

• While the Protocol and Convention apply tolarge fishing vessels (i.e. > 24 m), which are veryfew in Pacific Island countries (PICs), the appli-cation of these instruments is flexible. It ispossible for national laws to extend the applica-

bility of Torremolinos and STCW-F to smallerclasses of vessels.

• National administrations and the regional fishingindustry need to be aware of and familiar with theprovisions of these international instruments andto prepare for their entry into force. The currentstatus of requirements and standards in the regionmeans that the effective implementation of theProtocol and Convention would not be too difficult.

• Due to the current limited number of missingsignatories, PICs, by ratifying the instruments,may drive their entry into force.

• SPC's Regional Maritime and Fisheries Pro-grammes can underpin a regional mechanism andbe the focal agencies in assisting countries with theimplementation of the Protocol and Convention.

SPC shares the opinion of the IMO that implementingthe 1993 Torremolinos Protocol and the 1995 STCW-F Convention will significantly improve the safetyrecord of the fishing industry and contribute to theprevention of loss of lives onboard fishing vessels.

Obviously, the introduction of relevant standards forvessel safety and crew training can only provide a saferworking environment, improved safety, wider em-ployment options, and sustainability of livelihood tofishing vessel personnel. However, the change willhave a cost, not only for fishing vessel operators(upgrading of safety systems), but also for traininginstitutions (wider application of competency-basedtraining and assessment) and maritime administrations(certification and surveys). These cost implicationsneed to be considered and carefully assessed: SPC andthe Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), through theEuropean Union-funded DEVFISH project, will soonundertake a regional study on this issue, the results ofwhich will be widely distributed to fisheries andmaritime stakeholders.

For more information, contact:

John Hogan, Regional Maritime ProgrammeCoordinator: [email protected]

Michel Blanc, Nearshore Fisheries Development andTraining Adviser, [email protected]

FEATURES


AROUND THE TRAINING AND EDUCATION CENTRES

Marine educators from throughout the Pacific willgather from 15-20 January 2007, in Suva, Fiji, to shareresources and build a network aimed at ensuring thehealth of the ocean. Those educators who are unable totravel to Fiji can participate through web conferencing.

The decision to hold this Pacific Marine EducatorsConference is an outcome of the One Ocean MarineForum, held in July 2005 at Kahului, Maui, Hawaii.This meeting focused on building an internationalnetwork of marine educators. The upcoming confer-ence will further that goal by piloting the Pacific.

Pacific Islands provide an early warning of problems,changes and issues facing our ocean. These small,sensitive and fragile islands experience the interplay ofissues such as sustainability, stewardship and climatechange, showing in microcosm how this interplay mayaffect the world as a whole.

Marine educators - in the widest sense - are invited toparticipate in this conference focused on the Pacific.

The conference will be held at the University of the SouthPacific. It is sponsored by local, regional and internationalorganisations, including the Marine Sector WorkingGroup, Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific.

The conference organising committee includes rep-resentatives from the Western Pacific RegionalFishery Management Council (USA), University ofthe South Pacific (Fiji), Foundation of the Peoples

of the South Pacific International (Fiji), MarineEducation Society of Australasia (Australia), NationalMarine Educators Association (USA), Ocean FuturesSociety, University of Hawaii (USA), HowardCounty Public School System (USA), HatfieldMarine Science Center, Oregon State University(USA), Kamehameha Schools (USA) and College ofExploration (USA).

For more information or to provide suggestions tothe organising committee, please contact one of thefollowing:

• Harry Breidahl (Australia) [email protected]

• Sylvia Spalding (USA) [email protected]

• Joeli Veitayaki (Fiji) at [email protected]

Sponsors are needed to help send participants fromdeveloping and underdeveloped countries to theconference and to provide web conferencing sitesoutside Fiji.

Personal report - funded training at PNG Maritime College

It is the dream of everyone to move on in life andachieve success through whatever aims and goals wehave. The dream is the same whether it is about shore-based work or about work in the maritime sector onvessels trading nationally or internationally.

The only difference with doing seatime and training inthe maritime sector is that once you are due fortraining, you have to attend it or you'll get left behindif you delay too long.

In Solomon Islands, where I come from, it is quite hardto secure employment on larger gross tonnage vesselsbecause there isn't any such registered vessel in Hon-

iara. I've tried it and just waited for seven months.Knowing that getting my seatime was important, Ithen applied to National Fisheries Development Ltd(NFD). After nine years I am still working with NFDon one of its vessels, Purse Seine, both nationally andinternationally.

Furthermore, it is difficult to obtain a scholarshipgiven by aid donors through the government becausethere are other employment areas that the governmentof my country considers more important than this fieldof work. I hope this situation will change soon as we arean island nation with an urgent need to fill a vacuumin the maritime industry in the near future and to

Pacific Marine Educators Conference 15-20 January 2007, Suva, Fiji


develop the national Maritime College to train allSolomon Islanders working in the maritime industry.

Getting further training abroad seemed too hard as thefees are out of my reach. That was the point that Ithought my career would end in this field. However,with the help of SPC and NFD, which also acceptedme on one of the short courses back in 2000, I havebeen able to attend and upgrade my certificate toOOW / Mate 3 at Papua New Guinea MaritimeCollege this year.

PNG Maritime College, situated in the heart of MadangHarbour, has international students from SolomonIslands, Vanuatu and East Timor and national studentsfrom the shipping industry within PNG. In betweenstudying for their main maritime qualification, a max-imum of 200 students take short courses such as FireFighting (Basic and Advance), Sea Survival (Basic andAdvance), First Aid (Basic and Advance and Ship Mas-ter's Medical Care), ISPS, Tanker Safety (Basic andAdvance), GMDSS (ROC and GOC). A total of around600 students attend the college each year.

On arrival in Madang, I found it challenging as it wasmy first time to attend a full-time course abroad. With

the good hospitality of national students and staff(both national and international alike), though, I soonfelt at home. I was surprised by the availability offacilities compared to what I had experienced beforeand I tried my best to make full use of them. Mostimpressive of all was the Nautical Studies Ship Simu-lator training facility - something new for me and anamazing experience when I know that I am actuallyashore. It is like keeping a bridge watch on a ship inSingapore's Malacca Strait for four hours and thenwalking out back to Madang. The subject was profes-sionally taught using a perfect world-class competencybase training facility.

The course was challenging as we progressed into itmore deeply each day. Even though I was the onlyone with experience as a fisherman in the class,believe me, it was not easy. Our syllabus was mostlydone practically on merchant navy vessels. With thehelp of the staff and more time put into studying, Ipassed all my exams for the first part of the year.There is still a lot to do and learn for the remainingpart of the year, including the oral exams.

I believe that everything we want comes from hardwork, discipline, dedication and personal commit-

ment but, most importantly, financialsupport really counts. Without thisfinancial support, I wouldn't be ableto continue in my further studies. Iwould like to thank the SPC trainingscheme and NFD for supporting mefinancially and I hope this support willcontinue not only for me but also forothers who wish to continue theirstudies in the future. Last but not theleast, I would like to thank the PapuaNew Guinea Maritime College foraccepting me to study there this yearand would recommend this college toany seafarer thinking of furthering theirmaritime education.

Junior P. Delaiverata



Vanuatu Maritime College looks back at 2005

Domestic shipping programmes at VMC, 2005

The year 2005 was relatively quiet for the Vanuatu Maritime College (VMC). The college was open for business50 weeks of the year, with an emphasis on training Vanuatu seafarers for the domestic industry and rural fishers.For 48 of those weeks, starting on 17 January and ending on 16 December, students were on campus and trainingprogrammes were underway.

Training

During the year a wide range of programmes was offered to meet the needs of students from domestic shipping,as shown in the table below.

This was the first year in which the college offered Pre-Sea Rating training, which is designed for Year 10school leavers wishing to enter the domestic industry.During the 12 weeks of the course, the students live atVMC under strict discipline. The curriculum coverssafety at sea and introduces catering, nautical andengineering activities. Most of the trainees on the 2005programme have now found employment.

There was substantial interest in Rural Fishing trainingin 2005, following the Government's declaration of2004 as the Year of Fisheries. Courses were held at sixsites in Malampa Province, one in Penama Province,two in Sanma Province and three in Shefa Province, fora total of 352 male and female students. In 2006 thesecourses are again in great demand.

Worldwide, there is a shortage of both deck andengineering officers. In 2005, as in the two previousyears, the Australian Agency for International Devel-opment (AusAID) provided two special scholarships,

administered by VMC, to cover the four years oftraining required for officer cadets to become qualifiedas junior officers on foreign-going vessels.

The 2003 engineer cadet spent 2005 doing seatimeaboard a vessel based in Papua New Guinea. The deckcadet, after some difficulty obtaining seatime, wastaken aboard a vessel based in Cairns, Australia towardsthe end of the year. There were good reports on theperformance of both cadets at sea.

Of the three cadets taken on in 2004, the deck cadetperformed well at PNG Maritime College and thenreturned to Vanuatu in mid 2005. Contrary to hishopes, he was not taken on for the delivery voyage foreither of the two Chinese-funded vessels, so he nowurgently needs to do seatime on an overseas ship. TheAusAID-funded engineer cadet, after spending thefirst part of the year doing seatime, entered PNGMaritime College at the end of May for 12 months ofstudy. The other engineer cadet, funded by VMC,

Programme topic Number run Length Number of students

Safety Certificate 9 2 weeks 113

Preparatory Skills 3 2 weeks 32

Pre-Sea Rating 2 12 weeks 14

Master <20 Gross Tonnes 2 4 weeks 20



Engineer <300 Kilowatts 1 10 weeks 9

Restricted Radio Operator 3 4 days 21

Advanced Fire Fire-fighting 1 5 days 14

Proficiency in Survival Craft 1 5 days 16

Medical First Aid 1 5 days 19



Other VMC courses, 2005

decided not to continue his studies after the 2005annual holidays; his scholarship has been terminated.Two new cadets entered VMC in March 2005 for 12weeks of training. On completion of their programmes,they began seatime on domestic vessels. They will bothgo on to PNG Maritime College in 2006.

For the first time since the introduction of training ingeneral-purpose ratings for overseas vessels in 2002,this course was not offered. This decision was madebecause students on the course in previous years expe-rienced considerable difficulty in finding employment.

Other courses held in 2005 are listed in the followingtable.

Programme topic Number run Length Number of students

Fire & Survival Trainingfor patrol boat RVS Tukoro 1 3 days 18

Training for PortSecurity Officers 1 4 days 4

Community Cooking 1 1 week 11

Ambrym fishers learn about outboards

Euphrosyne II, VMC's largest vessel



Quest for international employment

In an effort to promote Vanuatu seafarers to a wideaudience, the Chief Executive Officer travelled toRiga, Latvia in May to attend the Lloyds ShipManagement European Manning and Training Con-ference. The conference raised many issues affectingseafarers worldwide, including terms and conditionsof employment and the shortage of trained officers.Although no firm offers of employment were made,some company representatives showed interest inreceiving more information on Vanuatu seafarers.The Chief Executive Officer's attendance at thisconference received generous financial support fromthe European Commission, which paid the full costof air fares and promotional literature as well ascontributing towards per diem costs.

On 22 September, VMC organised and conducted aone-day Workshop on Training and Employment forni-Vanuatu Seafarers in Port Vila. Participants identi-fied a number of recommendations to assist seafarers tofind employment and agreed that these should besubmitted to the Council of Ministers. The necessarydocumentation was prepared and the outcome fromthe submission is awaited.

International Ship and Port Facility Security CodeAs in 2004, the Chief Executive Officer providedadvice and assistance in port security matters, in partic-ular those related to the proper implementation of thePort Security Plans for Port Vila and Luganville. Healso attended all meetings of the Port Security Com-mittee, chaired by the Director-General of Infrastruc-ture & Public Utilities. A small grant for activitiesrelated to the International Ship and Port FacilitySecurity (ISPS) Code was provided by AusAID andadministered by VMC. The Office Manager was oneof an international team of auditors that conducted thefirst security audit of the port of Luganville.

STCW audit

It is a requirement of the International MaritimeOrganisation (IMO) that training institutions incountries on the so-called "White List" be auditedagainst the standards laid down in the Conventionon Standards of Training, Certification and Watch-keeping (STCW). An STCW audit of the collegewas conducted in April 2005 and the resultscommunicated to IMO.

Human resources

The Chief Executive Officer, Capt. K.J. Barnett, willnot be renewing his contract; instead he will leaveVMC after the contract's completion at the end ofAugust 2006. He will be replaced by Capt. John Lloydfrom the United Kingdom.

A New Zealand volunteer, who joined the college staffin 2003 as Nautical Instructor, completed his term ofservice in June 2005. Another volunteer from NewZealand, Peter Petherbridge, joined the staff in March2006. The position of Senior Engineering Instructorwas filled for most of the year (until September 2005)by an experienced Australian engineer funded throughAustralia's Pacific Technical Assistance Facility.

Vessels

The vessel used for rural fishing training, Etelis, wasslipped in June 2005 for routine maintenance and annualinspection. Evolan, which is used for practical navigation,seamanship and engineering training, went up on theslipway at the end of the year, in preparation for thoroughmaintenance early in the new year. At the end of 2005, thesmall outboard-powered vessel Emm Nao, built withguidance from the Ecole des Métiers de la Mer in NewCaledonia and funded by SPC, was still awaiting con-struction of a suitable trailer. This has now been built andEmm Nao successfully took to the water in May 2006.

The exercise of refurbishing Euphrosyne II, VMC's largestvessel, began to gather momentum at the end of 2005. In2006 Santo will be the site of a major biodiversity surveyby an international group of scientists, for which the twomain partners are the French Muséum d'Histoire Naturelleand Pro-Natura Inc. The marine component of thesurvey will be based at the college. Pro-Natura Inc. hasagreed to contribute funds for the refurbishment ofEuphrosyne, work began in December and the vessel willshortly be slipped.

VMC small outboard-powered vessel Emm Nao ready to go



Regional cooperation and staff development

Throughout 2005 VMC continued to work closelywith the SPC Fisheries Training Section (FTS), basedin Noumea, New Caledonia and the SPC RegionalMaritime Programme (RMP), based in Suva, Fiji.

FTS supported rural fishing training by providing agrant that VMC could use to keep course fees at atoken level. Due to another FTS grant, the OfficeManager received training in creating and launchingthe college website.

From 13 to 30 June VMC hosted a Training ofTrainers course in small fishing business management("Start Your Fishing Business"). This course was partof a project implemented by SPC in collaborationwith training institutions in PNG, with fundingsupport from the Commonwealth Secretariat.Attending the course were five participants fromSolomon Islands and twelve from Vanuatu,representing the Chamber of Commerce, theCooperatives Department, the Fisheries Department,VANWODS and VMC.

In order to be accredited as trainers by the IMO, theTraining of Trainers course participants then had toorganise and run a training workshop for local fishers,overseen by a Master Trainer from PNG. The twoVMC instructors were among the resource peopleteaching a course for 16 fishers from Sanma Province,held at the college from 19 to 30 September.

RMP again lent its portable ship-handling simulatorto VMC for use in training shipmasters and deck

watch ratings. Other activities funded by RMP in-cluded the attendance of various staff members at thefollowing meetings:

• Chief Executive Officer - Audit Sub-Committee,Suva, Fiji in January;

• Office Manager - founding meeting of the PacificWomen in Maritime Association, Suva, Fiji inFebruary;

• Senior Engineering Instructor - Survey Sub-Com-mittee, Suva, Fiji in March;

• Chief Executive Office - Pacific Islands MaritimeAssociation (PacMA) annual meeting, Nadi, Fijiin March; and

• Chief Executive Officer and Senior Nautical In-structor - Moderators, Examiners and LecturersSub-Committee, Auckland, New Zealand in August.

The Chief Executive Officer attended a meeting of theMarine Accident Investigators International Forum in PortVila from 29 August to 2 September, where he presenteda paper on the role of training in the prevention of accidentsat sea. His attendance, along with that of other PacMAExecutive Committee members, was funded by RMP.

RMP also organised and funded staff developmentas follows:

• Chief Executive Officer and Office Manager - MaritimeSecurity Auditors Course, VMC, 30 and 31 March;

• Engineering Instructor and Fitter/Mechanic - Cer-tificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment,Suva, Fiji, 18-29 July; and

• Senior Engineering Instructor - Advanced Shipmas-ters Medical Course, Suva, Fiji, 26-30 September.

First prize!

On a lighter note, VMC won first prize at theLuganville independence celebrations for itsfloat LV Jubilee. It also took part in theQueen's Baton Relay in October.



Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Tauranga, New Zealand, hasprovided training in fisheries management and in theseafood, maritime, and aquaculture sectors since 1992.

The polytechnic takes an innovative approach to devel-oping and delivering training in the most suitableformat, whether it be on-the-job training, distancelearning or studying at its campus in Tauranga. Someof its programmes are firsts for New Zealand, offeringtraining in issues relating to Maori customary fishingand training at sea. They include the National Certif-icate in Customary Fishing Level 3 and two nationalcertificate programmes that are delivered onboarddeep-sea trawlers at sea. Previously, no other traininginstitution in New Zealand has had the capacity todeliver fisheries training at sea.In partnership with one of New Zealand's largestfishing companies, Talleys Fisheries Limited, NelsonDivision, the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic initiated aprogramme in which employees get on-the-job train-ing at sea on 45-50 day trips. On completion of theprogramme, successful employees gain either the Na-tional Certificate in Seafood Processing Level 2 or theNational Certificate in Seafood Vessel Operations[Nautical Skills] Level 3, depending on which one theyhave enrolled in.

Andrea Wilkinson, Human Resources/Training Man-ager for Talleys Fisheries, says, "The training hasimproved the thinking of our employees at work.During work breaks they have their resource foldersout studying now, rather than sitting around talking.At the end of each trip our employees want to gainfurther skills, so for us this has been a real success story."

Another programme that has proven to be extremelyvaluable is the National Certificate in CustomaryFishing Level 3, which is delivered off campus atmarae (Maori meeting places) around the country.The polytechnic owns the programme and works inpartnership with a local company, Manaaki MoanaLimited, which has developed resources and deliversthe training using experienced roving trainers. Mem-bers of local iwi (Maori tribes) receive training incustomary legislation, development of fisheriespolicies, fisheries management tools based onregulations, and compliance issues.

"This is the best thing since sliced bread," said GraemeMorrell, Takiwa representative of Ngapuhi ki Whanga-

Innovative training the way forward for fisheries

rei too Te Runanga o Ngapuhi. "Iwi have been lookingfor this for a long time and we're pleased with theopportunities that the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic andManaaki Moana have given our people."

As well as offering various modes of training, thepolytechnic is able to deliver training in other coun-tries. For example, it is currently negotiating a three-month staff exchange and professional developmentfellowship with Tonga, commencing in early 2007.

Other programmes available from the Bay of PlentyPolytechnic include:

• National Certificate in Seafood [Strand] Aquacul-ture Level 4 - includes modules in Microbiology &Chemistry, Aquaculture Legislation, AquaticHealth, Seafood Biology & Hatchery Techniques,and Aquaculture Repair & Maintenance.

• Diploma in Fisheries Management Level 6 - a two-year, sixteen-module programme covering a widerange of topics including Marine Science & Ecol-ogy, Marine Invertebrates, Seafood ResearchProjects, Fisheries Management Plans, Issues &Perspectives, and Management & Leadership.

• New Zealand Off-Shore Master - a statutorymaritime qualification that enables the captain tofish a 50 m vessel up to 200 miles off the coast.

• Inshore Launchmaster• Pre-sea training programme for new entrants into

the seafood industry• Advanced Deckhand Fishing endorsement qualifi-

cation. This programme has also been delivered atsea onboard a large purse-seine vessel in the Pacificby one of our tutors, with crew from Kiribati, Palau,Samoa, Solomon Islands and Croatia.

Contact the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic:website www.boppoly.ac.nz;Email: [email protected], orfree phone 0800 267 7659.

Greg Fife,Group Leader,School of Applied Science,Bay of Plenty Polytechnic,Tauranga,New Zealand



SPC FISHERIES TRAINING ACTIVITIES

During the reporting period, the Nearshore FisheriesDevelopment and Training Section has been involvedin two important studies of fisheries-related trainingneeds in the region.

Business planning and management in Polynesia

Following the successful introduction in Papua NewGuinea (PNG) of a fisheries version of the Interna-tional Labour Organization (ILO) training pro-gramme, Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB),SPC, with funding support from the Common-wealth Secretariat, has coordinated the introductionof the same training programme in Vanuatu and theSolomon Islands.

This project consisted of a training of trainers (TOT)course at Santo in June 2005, a series of in-countrycourses in both countries, and the official accredita-tion by the ILO of several trainers in each country.This training programme (Start Your FishingBusiness - SYFB), which is now available throughseveral institutions in each country, is aimed atdeveloping fishing business planning andmanagement skills amongst prospective or existingentrepreneurs.

A review of the programme by the CommonwealthSecretariat and SPC resulted in an interest to ascer-tain the relevancy of the training programme forPolynesian countries. As an initial step, a trainingneeds assessment and feasibility study in relation tothe introduction of this SYFB program was con-ducted in May 2005. The consultant contracted bySPC (Hugh Walton from the company Gillett,Preston and Associates) travelled to Tonga, Samoaand the Cook Islands in May 2006 to interviewstakeholders involved or interested in small businessmanagement training. The study report wassubsequently produced and distributed to relevantinstitutions in the three countries as well as in Niueand Kiribati, which had previously indicated aninterest to participate in the programme.

The focus of the current SYFB training programmeis on small-scale fisheries businesses, which is relevantto Melanesian countries where it is generally agreedthat fisheries development is still possible in mostcoastal areas. However, it is apparent from therecent study that the challenges facing rural

communities in Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islandsare very different from those in PNG or Vanuatu. Inthe Polynesian countries, there is very limited scopefor increasing fishing effort in inshore areas and thisis reflected in the current focus on the conservationand management of reefs and inshore resources.Nevertheless, there was a general consensus in thecountries surveyed that a modified fisheries SIYBprogramme could support the development of small-scale businesses in the marine sector, provided thefocus of the programme is on the use and promotionof "non-fishing" business models, and thus fits intothe current conservation and management initiativesof local institutions.

The study further recommended the following generalthemes for the SIYB training programme in Polynesia.

• The inclusion of a resource management com-ponent to the programme;

• A focus on improving the efficiency of existinginshore fisheries operators (through improvedbusiness skills or value-adding to seafood prod-ucts, not through catching more fish!);

• A shift in focus from fishing businesses to busi-nesses based on marine resources in a broadersense such as eco- and adventure-tourism, sportfishing, and other alternative income opportu-nities;

• In the case of the Cook Islands, a specificprogramme for pearl farm operators.

The programme model developed for Vanuatu andthe Solomon Islands (TOT course for participantsfrom all countries followed by in-country courses)appeared to be well suited to the needs of thecountries surveyed. The study report furtherrecommended the PNG Master Trainers used forthe Vanuatu/Solomon Islands project should deliverthe TOT course and provide support for thesubsequent in-country programmes. Samoa wassuggested as a suitable venue for the delivery of theTOT course.

Following this Training Needs Analysis, the Com-monwealth Secretariat and SPC agreed to facilitatethe introduction of the SIYB training programme inPolynesia. The Nearshore Fisheries Developmentand Training Section will have a coordinating rolefor the TOT course, which is scheduled for the first

Training needs assessments in Polynesia and Papua New Guinea


quarter of 2007. The selection of participants will beundertaken in collaboration with the fisheriesadministrations and relevant business-supportinstitutions in each country.

Training needs assessment of PNG fisheries sector

In June, SPC's Nearshore Fisheries Development andTraining Adviser travelled to PNG to participate in atraining needs analysis (TNA) of the PNG fisheries sector.This work was done in collaboration with two fisheriesconsultants, Hugh Walton (Gillett, Preston and Associates)and Grant Carnie (Australian Fisheries Academy).

The TNA was commissioned by the Board of theNational Fisheries Authority (NFA), as part of deliber-ations concerning the potential development of adiploma and degree programme at the University ofVudal (Rabaul) and the National Fisheries College(Kavieng). The terms of reference for this detailedsectoral training needs and cost-benefit analysis, re-quired the study team to give consideration to the:

• development of the diploma and degree pro-gramme with the University of Vudal and NFC,

• needs of fishing companies and shore-basedprocessing facilities,

• potential training needs associated with aquacul-ture development,

• operation of existing NFC courses in CommercialFisheries and Post Harvest Fisheries,

• needs of the artisanal sector, and• inclusion of a regional perspective in the analysis.

The study included consultations with national andprovincial governments, provincial fisheries adminis-trations, commercial and industrial fishing operators,operators of large and medium sized processing facili-ties, NGOs and community representatives, and train-ing providers. The report was formulated on the basisof stakeholder consultations in Port Moresby andselected provincial locations. Despite the limited time-frame available for the TNA, the study team membersmade visits to Wewak, Madang, Lae, Kavieng andRabaul, in addition to attending meetings and inter-views previously conducted in Port Moresby.

A preliminary report was drafted by the study teamduring meetings in Kavieng, and finalized throughemail correspondence. The finalized draft reporthas since been presented for consideration to theNFA Board.

After some unexpected pre-production delays, the"Marine species identification manual for horizontallongline fishermen" is now available. Over 3000 copiesof the manual have been distributed another 2800copies will be kept at SPC Noumea for future use. This bilingual manual (French and English) covers themain species likely to be caught or interacting withhorizontal longlines in the Pacific, plus some speciesthat are uncommon. The final section of the manualcovers species of special interest, including sea turtles,toothed whales and dolphins, and seabirds. For themain species, there is a colour picture of the spe-ciesplus a line diagram with common identifyingfeatures marked. For each species, the scientific nameis given, as well as the FAO species identification codefor reporting purposes, and the common name inEnglish, French, Japanese and Hawaiian for market-ing purposes. Staff of SPC's Coastal Fisheries Pro-

Identification tool for horizontal longline fishermen distributed

gramme are now working on a second manual thatwill cover deep-water snappers and associated speciesthat are caught from 100-400-m depths. This manualis expected to be available in 2007.



A refresher SYFB training of trainers(TOT) course was conducted at Santo, inJuly. The course, conducted by two Mas-ter Trainers from PNG, was attended by 2Solomon Islands and 11 Vanuatu trainers.By successfully completing the TOT proc-ess, the participants are now officially rec-ognized as national trainers under the In-ternational Labour Organization (ILO)certification framework. The refreshercourses also marks the completion of SPC'sand the Commonwealth Secretariat's as-sistance to Vanuatu and the Solomon Is-lands in the area of small fishing businessmanagement. The onus is now on localinstitutions and trainers to market anddeliver the SYFB training programme in-country

The third regional course on vessel opera-tions management and electronic aids forcommercial fishing skippers will be deliv-ered at the New Zealand School of Fisher-ies, at Nelson, from October 2-13, 2006.The course will be similar to that of the twoprevious courses with a combination ofclassroom-based sessions, presentations onspecific topics by relevant guest speakersfrom the Nelson-based fishing industry,and field visits. The course will be jointlysponsored by the governments of Australia,France and New Zealand and the EuropeanUnion through the DEVFISH project.While primarily targeting the private sec-tor, the course is also open to skippers fromnational fisheries administrations, provid-ed the vessels they operate have a clear

training mandate. The selection of courseparticipants will be undertaken by SPC'sNearshore Fisheries Development andTraining Section in August.

A video-DVD to promote at-sea tunaloining and freezing operations has beenproduced by SPC's Nearshore FisheriesDevelopment and Training Sectionstaff. The video-DVD will be availablefor distribution by the end of August2006…hopefully in time for a meetingof tuna industry stakeholders in theCook Islands.

Other activities of the Nearshore Development and Training Section



NEWS FROM USP

New programmes in fisheries are being developed atUSP in response to a regional demand for training inapplied sustainable fisheries. The new programmesare collaborative (with SPC), interdisciplinary(fisheries science, social science), include a mix oftheoretical and practical studies, are flexible in learningmodes, allow either generalization or specialization,and facilitate professional development in fisheries inPacific Island countries (PICs)

The proposed new programmes focus on issues suchas fisheries sustainability and management in PICs,and integrates fisheries sciences with socioeconomicstudies and practical or applied studies withtheoretical knowledge.

The programmes will be offered as certificate (oneyear, equivalent to the SPC/Nelson MarlboroughInstitute of Technology (NMIT) Fisheries Officercourse), diploma (two years, equivalent to USP'sformer Diploma of Tropical Fisheries), and degree(three years) in sustainable management. The firstyear will replace the existing SPC/NMIT course,and will be offered in collaboration with SPC (andNMIT if funds are available).

The cross-crediting and incremental learningapproach facilitates professional development infisheries departments in the region. Candidates withthe SPC/NMIT Fisheries Officers certificate can

progress directly to second year (diploma). USP'sdistance and flexible learning programmes enablesall certificate and diploma courses to be undertakenin the major home countries. The wide choice ofcourses enables generalization or specialization inareas such as food technology, economics, extension,research, and/or policy and management.

In particular, the first year of studies provides basicunderstanding and core competencies, and integratespractical and theoretical subjects. It can be offered asthe first of three years for the degree for continuingstudents, or as a stand-alone certificate suitable forfisheries assistants. It is designed to be generallyequivalent to the SPC/NMIT Fisheries Officerscertificate, the content of which, reviewed andmodified in 2003, is still relevant to the trainingneeds of junior fisheries officers.

SPC will continue to offer a four-week course com-bining the observer programme and the practicalfishing components of the SPC/NMIT FisheriesOfficers course. This course will be held on a regularbasis (annual or biannual), at a national traininginstitution. Attendance to the course will be restrictedto staff of fisheries departments (graduates fromUSP certificate or diploma in sustainable fisheries aswell as other fisheries officers requiring refreshertraining in those two areas).

Development of new programmes in sustainable fisheriesat the University of the South Pacific (USP)


PIMRIS is a joint project of four international organisationsconcerned with fisheries and marine resource development inthe Pacific Islands region. The project is executed by theSecretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), the SouthPacific Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the University of theSouth Pacific's Pacific Information Centre (USP-PIC), andthe South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC).This bulletin is produced by SPC as part of its commitmentto PIMRIS. The aim of PIMRIS is to improve the availability

of information on marine resources to users in the region, so asto support their rational development and management. PIM-RIS activities include: collection, cataloguing and archiving oftechnical documents, especially ephemera (“grey literature”);evaluation, repackaging and dissemination of information;provision of literature searches, question-and-answer servicesand bibliographic support; and assistance with the develop-ment of in-country reference collections and databases onmarine resources.

Pacific Islands MarineResources Information System

Course and workshop materials• FAD Fishing Skills Workshop, Teaching Modules• Module 2 : Safety at Sea and Small Boat FAD

Fishing• Kit of teaching materials for a two-week Pre-Sea

Safety and Fishing course (screening of potentialcrew of longliners and purse-seiners)

• Basic sea Safety Certificate (Learner’s Guide, Train-er’s Guide, Overhead Transparencies)

• Restricted Class 6 Master/Engineer Certificate(Learner’s and Trainer’s Guides for modules SPC021B – Nautical Knowledge-, SPC 022B – DieselEngineering, and SPC 022C- Outboard Motors)

Manual for crew members• Safety Aboard Fishing Vessels (A practical Guide

for Crew Members)

Public awareness materials• 5 posters• Logo sticker “Think Safety at Sea”• A4-size sticker “Small Boat Safety Check-list”• Laminated card “Small Boat Safety Check-List/

Five Minutes Which Can Save Your Life”• 8 TV clips “Boat Safety Tips”• Audio-tape programme on sea safety

Video Tapes (in either PAL, NTSC orSECAM systems)• ‘Better Safe than Sorry’• ‘Survival at Sea - A Kiribati Tale’• ‘Rambo Goes Deep sea’

Safety Management Systems• Safety Management Systems for vessels under

500GT (leaflet)• Getting the best of your Safety Management Sys-

tem (leaflet)• Model Safe Operational Plan (SMS for small out-

board-powered commercial vessel)• Model Safety Management Manual and Logbook

(SMS for medium-to-large size longliner)

Some of the materials listed below can bedownloaded from the SPC website at:http://www.spc.int/coastfish/Sections/training/Training%20material/Training_material.htm

These materials can also be ordered directlyfrom the Fisheries Training Section - SPCPO Box D598848 NoumeaNew Caledonia

SPC Sea Safety Resource Materials

Documents

Fisheries Education and RAINING - coastfish.spc.intcoastfish.spc.int/Sections/training/sig/sig24/sig_24_en.pdf · TRAINING Fisheries Education ... (15 are required for its entry into