iFish6

The presenters will cover the following topics:

Introduction to the Danish Fishery including its fleet structure, fishery – types, areas, and turnover:

The Danish fishery is among the largest in Europe, engaging in demersal, pelagic and industrial (for reduction into meal and oil) fishing. Vessels cover the range from coastal boats to large pelagic boats. The last 20 years have seen a concentration brought about primarily by the introduction of ITQ management systems. New, better and safer boats have been built and older ones modernized.

Safety requirements for entry into the fishery: Anyone who wishes to enter fisheries has to complete a 3 week safety course (irrespective of whether he is 16 or 46).

Fishery education, the apprentice scheme: A two-year education leading to “The Blue Diploma” including its background, development, and collective financing through a national fisheries levy

Put together in 1995 by the social partners (Danish Fishermen’s PO (DFPO) and the General Workers Union (3F) the Blue Diploma education has educated hundreds of young fishermen through practical training onboard fishing vessels alternating with periods at the Fishery School. The DFPO is formal employer for all the apprentices (currently 80) and organise the practical training period at the Danish fishing vessels. Because of the element of collective financing the apprentices receive a good pay plus bonus at the same time as it is relatively cheap to have an apprentice on board.

Vocational and compulsory training for adults: Various courses also organised by the social partners.

Fisheries Health and Occupational Board (HOB): The HOB was established by the social partners in 1995. Its administrative board has members form DFPO and 3F. The HOB works in three main areas:

General work in prevention of accidents and improvement of conditions for fishing vessels (noise, stability etc..).

• Leaflets , videos, courses. Free consultation work for individual vessels in connection with official inspections, modernization project and new building.
• Accident “follow-up” through a network of regional accident committees examining accidents in order to improve future advice.

The work of the HOB has resulted in the fishing industry going from one of the most dangerous occupation to one of the safest.

The work around ILO Convention 188 nationally and at EU level and The Social Contract between DFPO and 3F: We have had a social contract since the beginning of the 1970’ies. This contract regulates the pay principles (not the pay), working conditions, pension scheme etc. The contract is renewed every 2 or 3 years, normally without big fights.

The presenters will individually or jointly cover the above topics and bind them together.