2027 Scholarships to Prioritise Maritime Search and Rescue

Maritime search and rescue will be prioritised under the Government’s 2027 scholarship programme, with a focus on developing more specialised skills in the sector.

Education Minister Simil Johnson says there is a strong need for additional training in maritime search and rescue, which the Government now considers a priority.

Government prioritises specialised training

Minister Johnson says people already working in the maritime sector, as well as those interested in search and rescue, will have opportunities to develop specialised knowledge through training.

“Maritime is a new area that we are facing today, and the Government is treating it as a priority. For those already working in maritime and those interested in search and rescue, this is an area where we want to train our people.”

He says more people need to gain specialised knowledge to strengthen search and rescue work in Vanuatu.

MV Matui highlights need for qualified personnel

VBTC News spoke with Government Public Relations Officer Kierry Manassah, who says the MV Matui incident has reinforced the need for more qualified personnel in the maritime sector.

He says the Government has identified the need for additional manpower, particularly people who are qualified to carry out specialised maritime work.

Search and rescue training under discussion

Chief Executive Officer of the Maritime College, Toma Mesako, says the college will discuss search and rescue training with the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority in mid-October.

Mesako says the Maritime College currently provides safety training, while search and rescue training would require further discussion with the relevant authorities.

He says search and rescue should be promoted among people working across the maritime sector.