Vision, Mandate, Purpose and Objectives

Vision

To have a system in place that will register and certify fishermen in the Province of Nova Scotia, along with improving skills and knowledge and strengthening a training and safety culture amongst fishermen

Mandate

The mandate of the Fish Harvesters Registration and Certification Board of Nova Scotia is to administer a registration and certification system and coordinate training for fish harvesters in Nova Scotia.

Purpose

The purpose of the board is to

• Register and certify fish harvesters in the Province of Nova Scotia;
• Establish certification criteria based on the knowledge, skills and experience of fish harvesters;
• Fund and coordinate training opportunities to improve the safety and knowledge of fish harvesters; and
• Promote the sustainability and economic viability of the fishing industry

Objectives

The objectives of the board are to

• Improve capacity of fishermen
• Improve the image of work in the fishery
• Promote and strengthen a training and safety culture amongst fishermen

Role and Responsibilities

The role of the board is to

• Operate and maintain a fish harvester registration system;
• Issue registration certificates to fish harvesters who meet the registration criteria and who pay the applicable fee;
• Develop, fund and coordinate training courses for fish harvesters;
• Maintain records of individual fish harvester training and skill development courses;
• Identify and access funding sources to assist fish harvesters with training and skills development
• Advise the federal and provincial governments regarding
  • Training and skills development,
  • The safety of fish harvesters,
  • Product value return to participants, and
  • The improvement of the capacity of fish harvesters to support, and optimize fish quality improvements;
• Improve the image of fish harvesting as a viable career option; and
• Adopt a Code of Ethics for fish harvesters in relation to training.