Capt. Dela Cuesta presented the convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, discussing its Technical Provisions which was divided into six (6) sections: the General Rules; Steering and Sailing Rules; Ruling on Lights & Shapes; Sound and Light Signals; Exemptions; and Verification of compliance with the provisions of the Convention. These practical navigation information are vital for fishers’ safety, productivity, sustainability, adaptability, emergency response, and compliance with regulations.
A practical exercise was conducted during the training to develop captains and crews’ ability to use a compass to determine direction, read nautical charts and understand symbols, soundings, and coastal features, and develop their skills in estimating position based on course, speed, and time traveled.
Overall, the practical navigation training was a success. BFAR is confident that training the fishermen to read nautical charts, use navigational instruments, and interpret weather conditions, they can plan their trips more efficiently and increase their chances of successful catches.
The practical navigation training to fishermen plays a pivotal role in empowering fishermen to navigate the complexities of the marine environment and operate their vessels safely and effectively. By equipping fishermen with the necessary skills and knowledge, practical navigation training contributes to the sustainability of fishing communities and the preservation of marine resources for future generations.
