'Crucial' marine skills centre opens for fishers
BBCA training hub aimed at helping secure the future of the fishing industry has officially opened.
Located in The Strand in the heart of Newlyn's fishing port, Newlyn Marine Skills & Resource Centre has been created to recruit, train and retain people for Cornwall's marine sector.
Seafood Cornwall Training will deliver qualifications and courses for new and experienced fishers, while fisheries regulators and marine scientists will also be based there.
Harbour master Jonathan Poynter said working in partnership with the Town Deal Board and Cornwall Council "has enabled us to create this crucial resource much faster than we could have done on our own".
Poynter added: "We know it will make a real difference to all those in Newlyn's fishing fleet who have previously had to travel further afield to gain their skipper's tickets and licences to operate."
The £1.75m project received funding through the UK Government's Town Deals Programme. It forms part of wider plans to support economic growth and regeneration in Penzance and Newlyn.
Seafood Cornwall training manager Clare Leverton said: "From sea survival, firefighting, first aid and safety to engineering, watchkeeping, navigation and radio operation, we are passionate about providing skills and resources to support the sector from this modern, purpose-built space."
She added: "We are also determined to minimise personal risk in a profession that is defined by severe weather, unpredictable oceans, long shifts and heavy machinery, and help our fishing community to remain safe."
Paul Durkin, chair of Newlyn Pier and Harbour Commissioners, described the opening as "a proud moment" and said the centre would allow local people to gain essential qualifications without leaving the harbour.
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