NTRC offering GMDSS training for seamen

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) has this year embarked on an initiative which is aimed at making sure that seamen are properly trained in the use of VHF radios and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS).

Earlier this month, Universal Service Fund (USF) administrator at the NTRC Kyron Duncan said that late last year,{{more}} the NTRC did an impact assessment of the GMDSS system, in which they sought feedback from local fishermen who use the NTRC-issued VHF radios and the GMDSS.

“…one of major concerns was that not enough training was being provided in use of the radios, so in the work plan for 2016 the NTRC decided to provide training in the use of these radios,” said Duncan, who stressed that knowing how to use the VHF radios is very important.

The first training session was done at the conference room of the Fisheries Complex in the Kingstown Fish Market and according to Duncan, other training sessions will be held in Union Island, Barrouallie, Calliaqua and Bequia, at dates to be announced.

Duncan is urging fishermen and other users of the GMDSS to ask questions at the sessions.

The NTRC introduced the GMDSS here in 2011, in collaboration with LIME (now FLOW). They also made 100 VHF radios designed to be used with the GMDSS, available to local seafarers at a subsidized price of EC$400. A number of the radios were also given away during NTRC raffles.

Speaking at the first training session, chief fisheries officer Jennifer Cruickshank-Howard said that her department is happy to be part of the radio training session, as there is great benefit to be derived from making sure that seafarers, more specifically fishermen, are properly trained to use these radios.

She said that the Fisheries Division has been working with the fishermen over the years in a number of areas and is willing to collaborate with the NTRC on this.

Cruickshank-Howard noted also that they have in the past trained fisher folk how to read charts and use GPS to aid with their safety at sea.

She stressed that their goal is to reduce the instances of fishermen lost at sea, something which is actually on the decline.

The training sessions will be carried out by among others, leading seaman with the St Vincent and the Grenadines Coastguard Grayson Stephens.

Stephens said that the GMDSS is important, as telephone signals only reach a certain way at sea; so, having a VHF radio is the best bet during emergencies at sea.

He explained that the GMDSS is an international system which uses improved terrestrial and satellite technology and ship-board radio systems.

GMDSS ensures rapid alerting of shore-based rescue and communications authorities in the event of an emergency. In addition, the system alerts vessels in the immediate vicinity and provides improved means of locating survivors.

The GMDSS radios are available on sale at the NTRC office, which is located in the National Insurance Services Building on Upper Bay Street.