
The Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) continues its campaign to improve marine safety for full-time Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) fishers with the release of 40 safety kits.
Provided as part of the Wapil 2 Project, the kits include safety jackets, Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), flares and other required safety equipment.
TSRA Chairperson, Napau Pedro Stephen AM said the kits meet Australian safety standards and have a proven record of saving lives.
“The accuracy in location positioning will reduce rescue times significantly, and this is particularly important given the remote waters where our fishers operate,” Mr Stephen said.
“The kits come in a waterproof safety cell container and grab bag that can be secured to dinghies and larger vessels,” he said.
The release of the safety kits followed first aid training provided to eligible TIB fishers, with support from Australian Marine Safety Authority (AMSA), Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) and TAFE Queensland.
The safety kits ensure TIB fishers meet AMSA compliance of 3C vessel up to 6-metres in length and Exemption 40 (Class C restricted operations).
“The first 10 kits will be available to eligible TIB fishers in the Kaiwalagal region (Thursday Island, Horn Island, NPA, Prince of Wales Island and Hammond Island) in September,” Mr Stephen said.
“Kits for outer island communities will follow, subject to supply and delivery clearance,” he said.
To be eligible TIB fishers must:
- be registered with the TSRA Fisheries Program (providing proof that they are full-time TIB fishers through catch histories and fishing licences) and,
- have an active Australian Business Number (ABN).
If you need assistance registering for an ABN or want to register as a full-time TIB fisher to apply for these safety kits, email the TSRA’s Fisheries Team, Fisheries@tsra.gov.au.
The marine safety kit roll-out is part of Phase 1 of the TSRA Wapil 2 project, which aims to improve the safety, capacity, and capability of full-time TIB fishers. Phase 2 will seek to expand employment and economic opportunity across the region’s fisheries.
Wapil 2 is a 3-year project, funded by the TSRA, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA).
Learn more at www.tsra.gov.au or follow us on Facebook.