The Provincial Government has provided $51,000 to the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland to advance the concept of an e-simulator to train fish harvesters in fishing vessel stability. Better training in vessel stability can save lives and reduce the loss of fishing vessels at sea. The e-simulator will provide easy access for skippers and crew alike to train in their own homes using an ordinary computer. This funding is being provided under the Fisheries Technologies and New Opportunities Program.

"Technological advances in fishing vessels have added more complexity over time and harvesters have become more adept at using sophisticated equipment," said the Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "However, the loss of even one life is too much and my department encourages doing everything possible to better prepare harvesters to deal with difficult conditions at sea."

The concept for an e-simulator for fishing vessel safety was proposed to the Marine Institute and the Provincial Government by the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters. Initially, the idea was investigated through a series of workshops which were funded through the sector council program of Human Resources and Social Development Canada. This enabled the concept development and prepared all parties to move to a multimedia format.

The institute has used the funding provided by the department to put together a DVD to promote the e-simulator concept to educate prospective investors on its development and potential applications. The e-simulator is now ready for development and the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters, in partnership with the Marine Institute, is seeking partners to fund the next phases.

"Fishing at sea is one of the world�s most dangerous occupations and vessel instability is one of the chief causes of death," said Minister Rideout. "As a seafaring people, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have always relied on experience and the feel of the boat to determine if a vessel was stable. However, as vessel designs have changed over time and harvesters go further from shore, we can no longer rely on these indicators."

The goal of the e-simulator is to provide a good understanding of the basic stability concepts and prepare participants for further training. "Simulation is a very unique tool for helping fishers understand the complex concepts underlying the issue of vessel stability," said Glenn Blackwood, executive director of the Fisheries and Marine Institute. "The Fisheries and Marine Institute has many years of experience in fisheries, world class simulation facilities and training. We are looking forward to participating in this very worthwhile project with the support of the province and the Canadian Council of Professional Fish Harvesters."

Electronic simulators already exist for vessel navigation, aerospace training and many other purposes. The e-simulator concept for vessel stability involves using multimedia and computer game features, combined with instructional segments on fishing vessel stability. The simulator can be accessed as a DVD. The visually interactive aspects of the e-simulator will also be used in conjunction with a workbook.

"One of the key benefits of the e-simulator is that by using home computers, the simulator can be available to anyone with an interest in vessel safety," said Minister Rideout. "As well, users can work through the program at their own pace right in their own homes, in a safe environment"

The current plan for the use of the e-simulator involves the development of a six module program for training on vessel safety. Those who complete the highest level modules will be very proficient in vessel stability.

-30-

Media contacts: