The Fisheries Officer Exchange Program supports one or two-way exchanges to enhance regional MCS officer networks and cooperation, and to provide officers a first-hand understanding of another country’s approach to combating IUU fishing.
Interested countries should work with regional counterpart agencies to collaboratively develop exchanges.
How it works
For each exchange, countries will send receive or swap officers with a regional partner agency. The length of the exchange and number of officers participating is flexible and will depend on the topic and purpose of the exchange.
Some ideas for exchanges may include
- officers visiting another country for one week to learn about specific topics of interest, such as use of Vessel Monitoring Systems or implementation of the Port State Measures Agreement,
- officers exchanging between two countries to observe and learn how each other approaches a particular transboundary challenge,
- an officer visiting a neighbouring fisheries agency to gain practical and theoretical understanding of their approach to MCS,
- officers exchanging between two countries to participate in and learn from boarding activities, or
- officers visiting another agency with a view to developing a collaborative and coordinated approach to a shared IUU fishing issue.
Countries are encouraged to speak with agencies from across the region to collaboratively develop an exchange proposal.
Australia may provide assistance if countries do not have a specific location in mind or they require assistance developing a proposal.
Applications from women and people with disabilities are encouraged. Reasonable requests to accommodate participation will be considered.
Selection
All exchanges will be assessed and approved by Australia’s Program Steering Committee.
All officer exchanges should meet the criteria (defined below) and align with at least one of the Program goals of strengthening:
- MCS capabilities
- regional cooperation in combating IUU fishing
- gender inclusivity in fisheries management.
Costs
The Australian Government will cover:
- flights
- accommodation
- per diems (at a rate agreed in advance)
- associated travel and visa costs.
Timing
Exchanges are available over the life of the Program.
Criteria
- the Fisheries Officer Exchange Program is available to ASEAN countries and Timor Leste
- working level proficiency in English language.
To be considered for exchange, countries must:
- provide a proposal that includes the number of participants, duration, tasks and activities to be undertaken, and propose topic of the exchange
- demonstrate alignment with the Program’s objectives of strengthening regional networks and MCS capacity to combat IUU fishing.
Countries are encouraged to consider promoting gender inclusivity and the participation of people with disabilities.
Prior to commencement, countries must:
- finalise the exchange program with the partner agency,
- sign the agreement for the exchange with the partner agency to ensure countries can support the proposed exchange, and
- undertake a risk assessment to ensure the safety of officers on exchange.
Contact us
Email: SEA_IUUFishingProgram@aff.gov.au
How to apply
You should speak first with other countries or officers in the region to develop an exchange idea. On request, Australia may provide assistance with matching other countries or developing ideas.
To register your interest please complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
A program officer will contact you to discuss and progress your expression of interest.