The Caribbean Fisheries Training and Development Institute (CFTDI) has assisted its Caricom neighbours by providing relevant training to students and active seafarers.
One such beneficiary is the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic Institute (SJPP) in Barbados.
SJPP principal Hector Belle said: "All of SJPI's curricula has been developed through a process which requires a critical input of the relevant industry. In the development of the curricula, an industry advisory committee was formed to provide guidance with regards to the content, standards, human and physical resources required to deliver an effective and relevant maritime programme."
The SJPP is a community-oriented technical vocational and training post-secondary institution with a mission to satisfy the needs of people through provision of a rich and diversified curricula that emphasise career education and training.
"Based on this structure, the SJPP remains committed to maintaining a curriculum which can respond to social changes, as well as development in industrial sectors" said Belle.
Because of its evolving vision, the institution is committed to equipping students of its Maritime Operations programme with best practices in the industry, hence its collaboration with the CFTDI solidified by a memorandum of understanding.
This arrangement ensures that the SJPP meets standards set by the International Marine Organization Convention on Standards for Training Certification and Watchkeeping for seafarers
It is against this background, that CFTDI as an approved training institute, provides training for the SJPP, and for private sector companies such as Barbados Port Inc.
This initiative has produced some excellent benefits for the institution, particularly in meeting quality assurance standards in training assessment and the awarding of international certification to graduates.
With the evolution currently taking place in the maritime industry, the relationship between the CFTDI and SJPP will be strengthened in the not-too-distant future, as CFTDI is expected to evaluate the institution's current curricula to determine areas for greater co-operation to meet the regional needs of the industry.