The Regional Director for Fisheries highlighted in São Mateus the "special importance" that vocational training plays in the future of the industry, allowing to "better prepare" fishers for work at sea.
 
Luís Costa spoke at the delivery ceremony of diplomas to 21 new professionals who have successfully completed the Fisher Course, allowing their access to maritime registration, and 20 professionals who took the exam for the Local Fishing Vessel Skipper category.
 
The Regional Director pointed out that training activities in the fisheries sector have addressed issues related to safety on board, as well as the handling, stowage and conservation of fresh fish, ensuring "an update of maritime knowledge."
 
"The investment in training by the Government of the Azores intends to dignify the profession," Luís Costa stressed, defending that access to the activity "should be follow certain criteria."
 
Luís Costa also stressed "the decentralised training model" promoted by the Government of the Azores, which is based on a team of trainers who travel to the various islands of the archipelago to teach courses in the fishing communities.
 
"The adopted model allows fishers to continue pursuing their professional activity during the training period since sessions take place after working hours," said the Regional Director.
 
This year, there are planned training courses on the islands of São Jorge, Pico and Faial for the Fisher and Local Fishing Vessel Skipper categories.