The Republic of the Marshall Islands is set to launch its first maritime training program this month.
The Marianas Variety reports that the College of the Marshall Islands in the capital city of Majuro will be launching the program this January, with a more comprehensive program planned for later in the year.
Classes will consist of 40-hour basic safety training under the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.
In addition, the program will also include fisheries observer courses, basic crewmember courses and maritime apprentice program, which are all scheduled to begin after April this year.
The first class of the program beginning in January is reserved for employees of the Majuro-based Luen Thai Fishing Venture, a company that operates a fleet of longliners for tuna fishing.
Supplies and equipments including first aid, medical training materials and textbooks arrived ahead of time for the program.
The new program is being developed in collaboration between both the College and the Marine Resource Authority.