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Approximately 300 fishers were awarded certificates in sea safety at a ceremony held in Apia, Samoa on 14 July 2021.

A sea safety training was conducted by the National University of Samoa (NUS) School of Maritime Training in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF. The training took place in Upolu and Savai’I over a two week period from late June to early July 2021.  The ceremony was held to conclude the training.

Vice-Chancellor of NUS, Professor Aiono Alec Ekeroma remarked in his opening address. “In 1998, the Parliament of Samoa approved a Small Vessels Legislation, to guide the operations of small vessels up to 15 meters in length including alias or catamarans. The legislation would ensure the safety of fishers at sea.” He said. “The legislation was made because of an increase in the number of fishers who lost their lives at sea in the nineties”.

Most accidents were caused by the lack of knowledge and skills of fishers in at sea survival techniques and how to work safely onboard of small vessels. New regulations in Samoa for artisanal fishing craft dictate that without proper certification in sea safety the fishing vessels can be ordered to turn back and be prohibited from fishing.

Approximately 300 fishing youth participated in the training, which will allow them to legally work on an artisanal fishing craft.

Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Tilafono David Hunter said in his remarks. “The Government of Samoa recognizes the important role of the fishing sector in contributing to food security, livelihoods and economic development.” He continued. “Given the important role the sector plays, ensuring the safety of our fishers while out at sea fishing is critical in raising the profile of the sector as well as for its sustainable development”.

FAO Sub-regional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, Ms Xiangjun Yao said at the certificate handover, “FAO has a long history of work on safety at sea in the Pacific and continues to provide this support”. Noting the critical role that small-scale fisheries play towards food and nutrition security in Pacific island communities. Ma Yao continued. “Risks at sea can only be reduced by increasing preparedness and awareness of communities on fishing-related emergencies and accidents. In this regard, to equip fishers with highly needed safety gears and increase their knowledge through training is vital”

The training was supported the FAO Sub-regional Office for the Pacific Islands under the project for Enhancing livelihoods and food security through fisheries with nearshore fish aggregating devices in the Pacific Ocean (FishFAD project). This project is financed by the Government of Japan. More information on project activities can be found at:
http://www.fao.org/in-action/sustainable-nearshore-fisheries-improves-livelihoods-pacific/en/