A five-day workshop is currently underway for the trainers of fishing vessel personnel at the Paradise Suites Hotel. The training has been organised by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in collaboration with The Gambia Maritime Administration and the Department of State for fisheries and National Assembly Matters.

The training aims to improve the safety of those who work in the area and also help prevent pollution. The training will provide guidance and a uniform level of education that will prove useful in enhancing the standards of fishing vessels.

In his address Mr. Milton Baron, the technical officer, maritime training and human element section, noted that the fisheries administration must ensure that fishing vessel personnel not only receive a sound education and training but also be able to demonstrate their competence.

He then spoke on the urgent need to implement a recognised standard of education and training. All these things, he said, are geared towards enhancing personal safety and preventing injury and loss of life. The measures will also help to reduce the pollution generated by the industry.

The deputy permanent secretary at the Department for Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly Matters, Mr. Suwareh Jabai, emphasised the importance of enhancing personal safety and the standard of equipment in the sector. He said it would contribute greatly to the socio economic stability of the nation. He therefore stressed the need to protect our precious fisheries resources. He said this could be achieved through the implementation of an up to date mechanism for the monitoring, surveillance and control from the air, land and sea.