A team from the College will take the fisheries training modules to the villagers using College vessels and equipment, thereby ensuring that training takes place in a familiar environment, at minimal cost and with least disruption to village life.
In addition the College will soon embark upon the exciting challenge of training ni-Vanuatu seafarers for employment as ratings aboard vessels trading internationally.
Initially interested seafarers from the domestic industry will have their earlier training upgrading to provide them with the knowledge and skill to allow them to function effectively aboard larger vessels. With time, new entrants with the necessary academic background and the right motivation will be introduced and trained.
All seafarers for employment overseas will be trained and certificated to STCW 95 standards. Additional specific training to satisfy the identified needs of industry will also be included, to ensure that seafarers meet the expectations of potential employers.
Special training programs for ni-Vanuatu fishermen working aboard foreign flag fishing vessels are also planned. These will ensure that new entrants to that section of industry are properly trained, and that fishermen home on leave are re-trained to current international standards before returning to sea.
Eventually an officer cadet scheme will be developed to enable suitably motivated and academically sound young ni-Vanuatu to pursue careers as deck and engineer officers aboard international vessels.
All programs offered at the College are in modular format with multiple entry points to provide flexibility and ease of access for students. Whenever possible training is taken to industry, and the needs of industry are included in training program development.
All the foregoing indicates that the Vanuatu Maritime College is in for a challenging time; busy but exciting and very rewarding as seafarers' eyes are opened, the full potential becomes apparent and ships become safer and more efficient.
Working closely together, the Vanuatu Maritime Authority and the Vanuatu Maritime College are committed to safety at sea and the prevention of marine pollution.
Vanuatu is set fair to meet its maritime obligations, both internationally and in domestic waters.
