SEAFISH, the public body that supports the £10bn UK seafood industry, has announced two new approved offshore training providers in Wales, bringing the number of training providers in the region up to three. They provide a range of safety and skills course for commercial fishermen, with funding secured by Seafish, making many of the courses free for fishermen.
The approved training provider (ATPs) in our area is the Welsh Fishermen’s Association. The WFA has also been approved and the Association’s Safety and Training Officer and approved instructor, Trevor Jones, is currently delivering courses for Coleg Llandrillo while WFA gets up to speed.
The endorsement of these new training providers means that there will be more opportunities for commercial fishermen in Wales to access mandatory training and take advantage of additional voluntary training. Seafish has secured funding from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) with additional funding provided by the Welsh Government and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA).
This funding allows new entrants and experienced fishermen who are fully compliant with basic safety training requirements to undertake a wide range of courses free of charge.
The funding is allocated on a first-come-first serve basis and must be distributed before the deadline of 30 September 2019, so fishermen are encouraged to book now to avoid missing out.
Lee Haigh, Wales Fishing Safety Officer said: “Improving fishing industry safety is a key part of Seafish Wales Priority work, so we’re very pleased at the announcement of two additional Seafish Approved Training Providers within Wales. The increase in local training provision will enable more Welsh commercial fishermen to access important training opportunities and we strongly urge them to take advantage of the latest round of funding and book free places while they are available.”
Andy White of Coleg Llandrillo said: “The approval of two new training providers in Wales is very welcome as it creates a robust training network across the country. With a recent increase in demand, there has never been a better time to get in touch and take advantage of the full range of training opportunities we offer.”
Ian Spice of Sea Sense Surveying said: “Sea Sense Surveying Ltd is extremely pleased to have been appointed as one of the new Seafish Approved Training Providers in Wales. No matter what stage of their career they are at, fishermen deserve access to the best possible training so that they have the skills and knowledge to work safely and come back home safe.
It is our mission to provide this training for fishermen when and where they need it with our experienced instructors, delivering quality courses in engaging environments. We strongly urge that all fishermen review their training to ensure they have all five of the required mandatory courses and talk to us if they are unsure. For those that have, now is the time to check for eligibility for funding to undertake refresher training to update those all-important skills and knowledge.”
To find out more call 01472 252302.
