Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 21 March 2025
A three-day training programme on ‘Maintenance of Boat Engines & Fishing Practices,’ jointly organized by the Department of Fisheries, A&N Administration and the Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical and Engineering Training (CIFNET), Chennai, concluded on 20th March 2025 at the Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill. A total of 25 fishermen from all three districts of the Islands participated in the programme, which aimed to equip them with practical knowledge and hands-on training.
Ms. Jagtap Kalyani Rajendra, Director of Fisheries, was the chief guest during the valedictory session. She commended CIFNET for their practical approach in conducting the sessions, ensuring better understanding for the fishermen community. She emphasized that the training would contribute positively to the Government of India’s Tuna Cluster Development initiative in the A&N Islands, promoting the sustainable utilisation of potential resources. She also urged the fishermen to take advantage of existing schemes under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to upgrade their fishing boats and target commercially valuable species, particularly Tuna and Tuna-like resources.
A four-member CIFNET team led the sessions, comprising Mr. K. Manimaran, Senior Instructor (Marine Engineering), Mr. G. Gopikrishnan, Skipper, Mr. S. Viswanathan, Instructor (Marine Engineering), and Mr. V. Naresh Kumar. The training covered key aspects such as the basics of marine engines, various engine systems, repair and maintenance, troubleshooting engine defects, safety practices at sea, responsible fishing codes, and vessel signal protocols.
As part of the programme, participants were also taken on an exposure visit to the Fishery Survey of India vessel MFV Blue Marlin, where they gained practical insights into advanced fishing techniques, the use of life-saving appliances, navigational equipment, and hygienic handling of Tuna onboard.
Speaking on the occasion, the Joint Director (Fisheries) encouraged the trainees to enroll in advanced training programmes offered by CIFNET to enhance their skills and explore self-employment opportunities in fishing boat and engine repair. Mr. S. U. Maheshwar Rao, Governing Body Member, NFDB, Hyderabad, requested the Department to sponsor at least 10 educated youth from the fishermen community for long-term advanced training at CIFNET, which could address the shortage of qualified technicians in the Islands.
During the valedictory session, the Director of Fisheries distributed certificates to all the participants, who expressed confidence in applying their newly acquired skills in troubleshooting boat engines and handling equipment at sea. The fishermen trainees also expressed gratitude to the Department of Fisheries for organizing such specialized training.
Earlier, Mr. Manimaran, Senior Instructor (Marine Engineering), welcomed the gathering, and the event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Gopikrishnan, CIFNET, Chennai.