Back:Duncan MacInnes; Toby Smith, from Kyle; Alistair Macleod, UHI: Jonathan Beaton, Eriskay; Roddy MacNeil, Barra; Iain Macaulay; Don Neil Mackenzie, UHI; Max MacInnes, Eriskay. Front: Joshua Macknzie, Lewis; Goiridh Gillies, Barra; Darren MacNeil, Barra; and Kenzie Maclennan, Lewis.
Eight trainees have completed an introduction to commercial fishing course in the Western Isles.
The course is suitable for new entrants looking for a career in the fishing industry and for older candidates who are looking for a career change and interested in commercial fishing as an occupation.
Max MacInnes of Eriskay who was the youngest trainee said: “Fishing is in my blood and I have been around fishing boats all my life, completing this course has been life changing for me and I fully intend to gain my inshore skippers ticket before I am 18 and own my own fishing vessel shortly thereafter.”
Toby Smith from Kyle found the three week course course to be “excellent, delivered by knowledgeable instructors that all had prior working experience in a variety of maritime industries.”
A placement aboard a scalloper has “already turned into a full time job, with the capacity to be incredibly lucrative if you are willing to put the work in.”
Duncan MacInnes, training manager for Western Isles Fisheries Training Association, said: “It’s encouraging that local skippers have provided berths for all those that have completed the course, rather than be dependent on sourcing crew from outwith the Western Isles.
“Good funding packages are available for those wishing to follow a career pathway to owning their own vessels in future years.”
The course at UHI Hebrides campus provided candidates with the basic knowledge to be compliant with all the legal requirements to commence working on a registered fishing vessel.
Traditional topics were covered such as safety, gear and catch handling, net mending, rope work and navigation, as well as important issues including health and wellbeing, finances and tax. Vessel stability and engineering were also taught.
Trainees also undertook one day courses in sea survival, fire fighting, first aid,
and health and safety - all essential for any new fishermen entering the industry.
Iain Macaulay, lecturer, said: “We have worked in partnership with Western Isles Fisheries Training Association for well over 20 years.
“All the candidates completed the course to a very high standard and clearly demonstrated their future commitment to succeed in the fishing industry.”
New blood recruited into Western Isles fishing industry
14 November 2024
