ELEVEN new fishermen and fisherwomen are joining the industry.

The candidates showed dedication and enthusiasm during all three weeks of the course and are now fully qualified and eager to find berths.

The graduates spent 15 days training on the Introduction to Commercial Fishing course, delivered by Seafood Cornwall Training in Newlyn, learning about operation of fishing vessels, many different fishing methods and how to behave on board.

They graduate with their Basic Sea Safety Certificates and now comply with all the relevant mandatory safety certification to work as commercial fishermen.

In addition to completing all the mandatory sea safety training in sea survival, first aid, fire fighting and health & safety, these graduates have received a detailed grounding across many subjects such as fisheries management, vessel operation, caring for the catch, watch keeping, navigation, fishing vessel engines, fishing gear operation and net mending.

The ICF course was developed by Seafish and has become recognised as the industry model for new entrants.

Thanks to funding support received from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), the ICF course is provided free of charge to participants.

Seafood Cornwall Training has developed a programme of training aiming to meet the needs of new entrants and the Cornish fishing fleet, including a free three-day Introduction to Fishing Safety course.

The course will consist of two days of shore-based training (covering boat operations, catch handling, rope work and safety) and one day for the mandatory STCW Sea Survival course.

The Introduction to Fishing Safety is coming soon to Mevagissey.

This course is free due to the generous support of Seafarers UK.

More information at www.seafoodcornwalltraining.co.uk/course-dates/