14 Boatbuilders and Apprentices Train to Construct Climate-Resilient Boats

Fourteen boatbuilders and their apprentices received extended trainings in boat construction recently. The builders were trained on constructing climate-resilient smart vessels that are sea-worthy and modernized. The builders were trained by Derrick Menezes, a boat builder and naval architect.

The training session exposed the trainees to contemporary boat construction techniques as well as build capacity in meeting the boating needs of fishermen in Dominica. The trainees were taught how to construct modern vessels from contemporary design templates and how to create unique designs for specific seafaring objectives.

After the training, interested fishermen and other seafarers are at liberty to purchase constructed boats with upgraded designs and facilities – without having to place import orders for them from outside the country. Buying them directly from the contractors after the training was cheaper than importing them from outside the Island.

With this initiative, boatbuilders in the country would be able to construct smart vessels that are climate resilient and upgraded for boating or fishing requirements. The boats would be relatively cheaper and affordable and also upgradable with optional specifications. The boat construction master would be able to pass their knowledge to apprentices who would go on to set up their own businesses and generate their own incomes.

The training exercise was facilitated by the Project Implementation Unit of the Emergency Agricultural Livelihoods and Climate Resilient Project in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

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