Twenty-eight pioneer students from the Fiji National University’s, Fiji Maritime Academy graduated from Stage One of the new Deckhand Fishing Programme.

The programme was coordinated by World Wide Fund for Nature – Pacific and the students studied through tuition-only scholarships funding from the New Zealand Aid programme.

Acting Chief Executive, Mahesa Abeynayake, says in an effort to train and qualify young people interested in working in the fishing industry, a programme consisting of safety, fishing and fish handling practice enhanced with knowledge and nautical techniques was necessary.

The Academy introduced this programme as per the International Maritime Organization Standard Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping.

The programme consists of Basic Sea Safety Fishing and Deckhand Fishing teaching basic sea safety fishing, deckhand fishing and knowledge of nautical techniques, ship handling, bycatch mitigation, fish handling, and fish processing.

The 28 graduates will now undergo practical work experience on fishing vessels.