WAVEFORWARD SETS COURSE FOR MODERNISING FISHERIES TRAINING ACROSS EUROPE

WaveForward sets course for modernising fisheries training across Europe. The WaveForward project – Modernising Fisheries Training for Today’s Challenges – has been officially launched, marking the start of a new European initiative aimed at developing a common standard for basic training for fishers across the EU.

The project brings together fisheries organisations, social partners and training and education providers across the EU, to strengthen the safety, skills and employability of fishers, while supporting a more harmonised and resilient European fisheries sector.

Officially launched in June in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, the consortium discussed the future of fisheries training in Europe, including in light of the revision of international conventions for training and education (IMO STCW and STCW-F frameworks), tailored training for small-scale fisheries and the role of traditional knowledge in safety at sea. The discussions also addressed national realities, including differences in training systems and the implementation of STCW/STCW-F across Member States, with a view to bridge possible gaps.

By comparing existing training systems and analysing national practices across EU Member States, WaveForward will lay the groundwork for a shared European common basic training standard for fisheries. This will contribute to improved safety at sea, stronger environmental protection, enhanced employability and increased labour mobility through better mutual recognition of qualifications.

The project consortium is coordinated by Europêche and brings together ProSea Marine Education, the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF), the Pelagic Freezer Trawler Association (PFA), Novikontas, Nederlandse Vissersbond (NVB), MARE Soc. Coop. a r.l., ARVI – Cooperativa de Armadores de Pesca del Puerto de Vigo, the Institut Maritime de Prévention (IMP) and EUC Nordvest.

Additionally, Europêche presented the project at the Sea Fisheries Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee meeting in Brussels on 23 June, and outlined the project objectives and upcoming activities, including the comparative analysis of STCW and STCW-F frameworks.

WaveForward was also presented to European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis in Cyprus on 26 June, in the context of EU policy discussions on coastal communities and skills, highlighting the importance of quality jobs and attractive career pathways to support the generational renewal and long-term resilience of Europe’s fisheries sector.

Daniel Voces, Managing Director of Europêche, said:

“WaveForward reflects the importance of investing in people and skills as a cornerstone for a safer, more resilient and more competitive European fisheries sector. A common approach to basic training will help strengthen safety at sea, improve mobility and ensure that future generations are better prepared for the challenges ahead.”

The WaveForward consortium looks forward to advancing towards a more harmonised and future-proof approach to fisheries training in Europe.

Image: Europêche