SOCSKSARGEN Federation of Fishing and Allied Industries Inc. (SFFAII), in partnership with USAID Oceans and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), conducted a Practical Navigation Training for the non-first movers’ boat captains and fishing vessel crew last January 29-30, 2018, at East Asia Royale Hotel, General Santos City.
This two-day training for boat captains and fishing vessel crew on practical navigation focused on chart works, plotting and navigation, and log documentation. It also aims to increase their awareness on policies, regulations, and fisheries administrative order about commercial fishery and different Regional Fisheries Management Organizations.
Alma C. Dickson, Ph.D. (BFAR’s Fishing Technology and Management Consultant) discussed about RA 10654 or “An Act to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing, Amending Republic Act No. 8550, otherwise known as ‘The Fisheries Code of 1998’ and for other purposes.” She also discussed about the Conservation and Management Measure for Bigeye. Yellowfin and Skipjack Tuna in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (CMM 2017-01).
Aside from that, Dr. Dickson discussed the National Tuna Fish Aggregating Device (FAD) Management Policy (FAO 224) and the Rules and Regulations on the Operations of Purse Seine and Ring Net Vessels Using Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) locally known as Payaos during the FAD Closure Period (FAO 236). Dr. Dickson emphasized the importance of closing season to help recuperate the tuna fish stock in the high seas.
Glen Padro, Fishing Regulations Officer of BFAR 12, presented the Amended Rules and Regulations on Registration and Licensing of Commercial Fishing Vessels, Fishing Gears, and Fishworkers (FAO 198-1 series of 2018). He also presented the Moratorium on the Issuance of Commercial Fishing Vessel and Gear Licenses and other Clearances (BAC 253-1 series of 2018).
Marlo Demo-os talked about the Rules and Regulations on Fisheries Observer Program (FOP) in the Philippines and in Distant Water Fishing Targeting Straddling and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks (FAO 261 series of 2018). He also discussed the Duties and Responsibilities and Code of Conduct of Fisheries Observers, Vessel Captains and Crew.
The Rules and Regulations in the Implementation of Vessel Monitoring Measures (VMM) and Electronic Reporting System (ERS) for Commercial Philippine Flagged Fishing Vessels was discussed by Maria Joy Mabanglo, from BFAR Fisheries Information Management Center. She also discussed about VMS Operation and Troubleshooting of E-logbook.
On the other hand, Isidro Tanangonan, from BFAR National Marine Fisheries Development Center, talked about the Conservation and Management Measure for Sharks and Electronic Reporting. While Ivan Janea, from BFAR 12 Regional Fisheries Inspection Unit, presented how to fill out logsheets.
The highlight of this training was the discussion of Captain Roy Dela Cuesta (BFAR National Marine Fisheries Development Center) about Practical Navigation with focus on chart works, plotting and navigation, and log documentation. Aside from the discussion, Capt. Dela Cuesta conducted an activity to the participants using their navigational chart. Capt. Dela Cuesta instructed the participants to plot their current location with given latitude and longitude. This exercise would help enhance their understanding on safe navigation.
