Thomas Fujii was one of eight Thursday Island Traditional Inhabitant Boat fishers to complete a Torres Strait Regional Authority Wapil 2 first aid course recently. Photo: Supplied.
Eight Thursday Island Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) fishers have completed first aid training that could save a life when fishing in the Torres Strait.
The training was part of the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) Wapil 2 project, which was rolled out with the aim of increasing the capability and capacity of full-time TIB fishers to grow the region’s fishing industry.
Seasoned fisher Thomas Fujii was part of the first cohort to complete the course and said the knowledge he took away from it would be invaluable when he and his team were operating in remote waters.
“Wapil 2 first aid training through the TSRA is important for us TIB fishers,” he said.
“We are often on our own, so knowing how to do CPR and provide first aid until help arrives can save a life.
“This type of training is essential.”
The TSRA collaborated with the Australian Marine Safety Authority to ensure the right advice and support was provided to TIB fishers.
TSRA chairperson Pedro Stephen said the next phase of the Wapil 2 project would provide grant support for eligible fishers to access safety equipment.
“Safe practices and lifesaving fundamentals were a major focus of the project,” Mr Stephen said.
“It was important for commercial fishers to be equipped with the right safety training before we look to providing new safety kits.
“We want all fishers to come home safely to their families with their crew, their catch and their equipment intact.”
