Training
We have successfully trained over 2000 sea-going scientific observers, land-based monitors, marine mammal observers, passive acoustic monitoring personnel, fisheries liaison officers, and fisheries inspectors, and have been contracted by several countries to provide training for their observer requirements. Furthermore, our training team is collectively able to present the training material in IsiXhosa, Zulu, English and Afrikaans since we are committed to employing and advancing persons from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
Our in-house training
Observers selected for employment receive personalised sector-specific in-house training, as well as internationally recognised safety and survival training outsourced to local accredited facilities. There are two training phases:
Phase 1
During the first phase of training, which is a two-week course, observers are taught a variety of subjects such as fish species identification, fisheries management, stock assessment, code of conduct, sampling protocols, data management, navigation, and meteorology, and must pass a comprehensive 3-hour exam with a score of 75% or higher to attend the second phase of training.
Phase 2
The second phase is conducted after gaining experience in national fishing sectors, and revises new material to the initial theoretical instruction, emphasises accurate data collection and additional biological sampling strategies, and focuses on responsible fishing practices to educate skippers and communities about sustainable fishing and marine conservation.
