Members of Montserrat’s National Hydrographic Coordinating Committee (NHCC) have completed a three-day basic safety training programme delivered by the Montserrat Port Authority (MPA).
The training, held on July 30, 31 and August 4, was designed to strengthen the team’s preparedness while operating aboard the port vessel MV Soufriere Spirit, which is used for bathymetric surveys of Montserrat’s coastal zones.
The programme was benchmarked against safety standards under the International Maritime Organization’s STCW Convention, providing participants with training aligned with internationally recognised maritime safety practices.
The first day of training focused on personal survival techniques and safety responsibilities, including man-overboard procedures, abandon-ship protocols and the proper use of survival equipment.
Day two covered fire prevention and basic firefighting, with participants receiving hands-on experience identifying fire hazards, selecting appropriate fire extinguishers and responding to minor fires.
The final day focused on first aid at sea, including casualty assessment, CPR awareness, bleeding and wound care, casualty handling and communication in a maritime environment.
As part of the MPA’s Education Outreach Programme, two interns from the Fisheries Department also participated in the training alongside the NHCC team.
The Port Authority says the initiative forms part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen safety awareness among its staff, partners and the wider maritime community.