Three young individuals were presented with their Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Restricted Operator’s Certificate (ROC) on Friday the 14th of October by the Minister for Fisheries and Blue Economy, Mr. Jean-Francois Ferrari and the Head of Studies of the Seychelles Maritime Academy, Mr. Michael Barbe. The small ceremony was held at the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy.
The three young men were funded by the Department of Blue Economy and were part of the group of young people who were funded last year to complete their Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Certificate at the Seychelles Maritime Academy.
Mr. Raaj Magloire, Mr. Aaron Malcouzane and Mr. Rian Baccus completed their studies in March this year at the Seychelles Maritime Academy after a few weeks of intense training and studying (48 hours in total). The GMDSS ROC training course ensures delegates are competent in the use of Very High Frequency (VHF) radiotelephony procedures and equipment used commercially in the GMDSS. Therefore, the three individuals are now able to understand VHF radiotelephony procedures in the maritime mobile service, operate the equipment, understand operational procedures of the GDMSS and explain detailed practical operation of all sub-systems and equipment.
During the certificate-giving ceremony, Minister Ferrari congratulated all of them for this wonderful and impressionable achievement. He also stated that the youth of Seychelles need to take advantage of the many opportunities that the Blue Economy has to offer. The Department of Blue Economy wishes to keep empowering the youth of Seychelles and is making it its mandate to re-skill them so that they can pursue careers in the field of blue economy.
The three graduates wish to become seamen that have the pre-requisite for further training to the levels of skipper and who are equipped to contribute to the economic development of Seychelles. The Head of Studies of SMA noted that the young men have to stay strong in this field and have the right attitude to succeed at reaching their goals.
