Friday, 18 July 2008

FIRST SHETLAND UNDER 16.5M SKIPPERS TICKET AWARDED

Victor Robertson from Vidlin, a mate on the new Prolific LK986, is the first in Shetland to be awarded the under 16.5m Skippers Ticket.  He undertook all his training at the NAFC Marine Centre and applied for the ticket through Shetland Fisheries Training Association (SFTA).

 

In order to qualify for the ticket, fishermen must have successfully completed Bridge Watchkeeping, Engine Room Watchkeeping, Stability Awareness and hold a GMDSS SRC Certificate.  They must also hold the four mandatory safety courses.

 

Commenting on the achievement, SFTA’s training co-ordinator, Caroline Hepburn, said: “I’m delighted that Victor has received this ticket and hope it will be the first of many attained by people in Shetland.  

 

“Thanks to a new initiative through the Seafish Industry Authority and the Department for Transport, funding is available to cover the costs of these courses.

 

“In order to qualify for the funding, fishermen must hold the four mandatory safety certificates and have at least 12 months fishing experience.  I would urge fishermen to take up this opportunity and contact me for further information.”

 

Commenting on his training, Victor Robertson said: “I had already completed three of the five courses necessary to qualify.  The other two courses were available at the NAFC Marine Centre and were free to attend because of the funding available.  It was very convenient to be able to complete the courses at the Centre in Scalloway – if it hadn’t been for this I’d never have thought to go for the ticket.”

 

Further information from:
Caroline Hepburn, NAFC Marine Centre, tel 01595 772000, email or visit www.nafc.ac.uk
Or, Louise Rosie, Shaw Marketing and Design Ltd, tel 01595 692465 or email