Fishermen develop their skills

Fishermen in West Cornwall have got together to address skills shortages in the industry.A group of experienced fishermen from Newlyn and St Ives are putting other fishermen and crew through training courses which they hope will benefit the future of the industry.

The project, funded by the South West Rural Enterprise Gateway (SWREG), is delivering a range of courses teaching skills such as VHF and long wave radio transmission, emergency first aid and fire fighting.

Evonne Amblin, business link project officer for SWREG Fisheries, said: "We often hear about people in the farming industry diversifying, but it is just as important that fishermen have equal opportunities to develop their skill base.

"Upskilling creates possibilities for career progression within the industry - which also makes it a more attractive sector for people to enter."

All of the courses are delivered by the Cornwall Fisheries Resource Centre based in Newlyn.

One fisherman who has taken part in the training project is more than happy with the results.

Newlyn-based Jake Freethy said: "Marine VHF radio is the best way of summoning help, you can contact the coastguard up to 50 miles offshore and talk to other boats and yachts up to 20 miles away on the open sea.

"This course will also be useful if I ever consider gaining employment in the merchant or marine leisure sectors."