Mauritius Launches 12-Week Skipper Course for Fishing Crews
Twenty-five working fishermen have enrolled in a new dual skipper and engineer training programme at the MMTA in Pointe-aux-Sables.
Mauritius has taken a significant step toward professionalising its small-scale fishing sector with the official launch of a new dual qualification training programme for fishermen working on vessels under 24 metres in length.
The "Dual Skipper/Engineer Course for Fishing Vessels of less than 24 metres" was launched on Monday 19 October at the Mauritius Maritime Training Academy (MMTA), a government training institution located at Pointe-aux-Sables on the western coast of the island. The MMTA is the country's principal centre for maritime skills development.
The programme runs for 12 weeks and covers six distinct modules. Its core goals are to raise professional standards among artisanal fishermen, improve safety at sea, and encourage more responsible and sustainable fishing practices. At the end of the course, participants who pass both written and oral assessments will receive formal certificates recognising their competencies as both skipper and on-board engineer.
Twenty-five candidates have been pre-selected to take part. All are already active in the sector, meaning the course is designed to formalise and upgrade existing experience rather than train beginners from scratch.
The launch ceremony was attended by several senior figures, including the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Arvin Boolell, Junior Minister Fabrice David, MMTA Director Praveen Makool, and Judex Ramphul, secretary of the fishermen's union. Minister Boolell used the occasion to underline the importance of the initiative for the long-term viability of the sector.
The programme was designed and implemented by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, which oversees both the fishing industry and Mauritius's broader blue economy strategy, a national priority that aims to develop ocean-based economic activities sustainably.
What this means: For Mauritius's artisanal fishing community, which operates largely on small boats close to shore and around the lagoon, this dual certification is a meaningful upgrade. Holding recognised qualifications as both skipper and engineer means a single crew member can legally and competently handle both navigation and mechanical responsibilities, reducing operating costs for small vessels and potentially opening access to insurance and licensing opportunities that require formal credentials. It also brings the sector into closer alignment with international maritime safety standards, which matters as Mauritius continues to develop its blue economy ambitions on the regional and global stage.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MMTA in Mauritius?β
The Mauritius Maritime Training Academy (MMTA) is the government's main centre for maritime skills and safety training, located at Pointe-aux-Sables on the western coast of Mauritius. It operates under the supervision of relevant ministries and provides certification courses for seafarers and fishing crews.
Who can apply for the Dual Skipper/Engineer Course in Mauritius?β
The course targets working fishermen already active in the artisanal sector who operate vessels under 24 metres. For this first intake, 25 participants were pre-selected. The 12-week programme leads to a formal certificate issued after written and oral exams.
Why is Mauritius investing in fishing sector training?β
Mauritius has made the blue economy a national development priority, aiming to sustainably grow ocean-based industries including fishing. Improving safety at sea and raising professional standards among artisanal fishermen helps align the sector with international maritime requirements and supports the long-term livelihoods of fishing communities.
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