The training course will provide participants with a holistic understanding of the theoretical and practical elements of fisheries related MCS required to effectively address IUU fishing in Southeast Asia.
About the course
The course will
- provide fisheries officers from RPOA-IUU participating countries with strong theoretical and practical skills in MCS to effectively address IUU fishing in the region,
- establish informal networks among course participants to enhance regional cooperation on MCS, and
- improve gender inclusivity within fisheries related MCS.
The course involves in-classroom and field-based learning activities. Upon completion, participants will be provided with a certificate in IUU fishing related MCS.
The curriculum will cover foundational aspects of MCS such as
- legal and regulatory frameworks,
- data and MCS,
- fisheries management,
- MCS tools and operational activities,
- roles of fisheries officers,
- workplace occupational health and safety, and
- social inclusion and MCS cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The study time is six weeks, comprising of two three-week blocks of in-person training in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
Australian technical partners, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority and Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, co-designed the curriculum with Nha Trang University, and will co-deliver the course.
Costs
The Australian Government will cover the cost of
- MCS training course (including course materials)
- flights
- accommodation
- per diems (per day costs at a rate agreed in advance), and
- associated travel and visa costs.
Timing
The course will be delivered to a total of 120 participants over the life of the Program, comprised of three cohorts of up to 40 participants.
The first cohort of participants commenced on 22 May 2023 and will finish in November 2023.
Applications for the second cohort of participants will open early in 2024.
Criteria
Applicants should meet the below selection criteria to be considered for the training course
- currently employed by a relevant agency within an RPOA-IUU participating country where expertise in MCS is applied,
- commitment to supporting efforts to combat IUU fishing,
- commitment to six months of study, including agency approval to attend two in-person training blocks of three weeks at Nha Trang University,
- working level proficiency in English language – including written and verbal communication, and
- relevant qualification or experience working in fisheries.
Applications from women and people with disabilities are encouraged. Reasonable requests to accommodate participation will be considered.
To help determine suitability, applicants may be asked:
- why are you applying for the course?
- what are some of the key responsibilities in your role and how do they relate to IUU fishing?
- how will you apply learning from the MCS training course to contribute to your agency’s efforts to combat IUU fishing?
Contact us
Email: SEA_IUUFishingProgram@aff.gov.au
How to apply
Later in 2023, the Australian Government will notify eligible RPOA-IUU participating countries when applications are open for the next block of training.
If interested, you should consult with your country’s RPOA-IUU contact point who will coordinate all applications. Your country must endorse your application.
If you would like to receive updates or information on the training course, or the name of your RPOA-IUU contact point, please email SEA_IUUFishingProgram@aff.gov.au.