Registration increases for fishery safety skills program

The number of people registering to take safety skills programs so they can work in Prince Edward Island's fishing industry increased thisyear.

Fisheries Skills program co-ordinator Melissa Pitre said while the program receives a provincial subsidy through Skills PEI for up to 165 participants, registration reached 220.

"Each year with people leaving P.E.I. to go out west, other places to work, we struggled to keep the funding because the numbers weren't there, but now they're back. It was great for this year and hopefully next year we have a great turnout as well," said Pitre.

Transport Canada requires fishermen to have the courses. There are 13 courses including marine emergency duties and radio operator certification.

They are offered at a discount through fishermen's associations across P.E.I.

The safety skills program was held at the Holland College Marine Training Centre in Summerside, P.E.I.

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