Grenada Implements Safety at Sea Training for Fisherfolks
Climate change is having a profound impact on our oceans, and its effects are changing the distribution of fish stocks around Grenada, thereby causing fishers to travel further out to sea to find productive fishing grounds. To mitigate against the risk of travelling further out to sea, Grenada implemented safety at sea training for fisherfolks funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The training program successfully trained and certified one hundred and eight (108) fishers including 8 females, as fishing captains. Six (6) training courses were held between July 24th to September 22nd, 2023. The courses covered twelve (12) modules including rules of the road, navigation, conflict resolution, global positioning systems, seamanship and boat handling, VHF communication, Safety at sea, distress procedures/search and rescue, first aid, marine conservation, fisheries regulations and outboard engine care and maintenance.
Some of the latest technologies introduced to local fishers during the training include the use of VHF Radio Transceivers equipped with ‘Digital Selective Calling’ (DSC), Satellite Vessel Tracking Devices, SOS LED Electronic Flares and SOS Marine Rescue Laser Flares.
During the St. Andrew closing ceremony, Hon. Adrian Thomas, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and Cooperatives highlighted the importance of safety at sea and safety training for fishers as they seek to exploit offshore fishing. He expressed Government’s gratitude and appreciation to FAO for supporting this timely training for the fishing industry.
Fishers learning to program waypoints into Garmin handheld GPS units.