Fisheries varsity offers degree course in Industrial Fishing Technology

It has set up Paraprofessional Institute of Fishing Technology near Ariyaman beach

RAMANATHAPURAM

Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University has established a ‘Paraprofessional Institute of Fishing Technology’ and decided to offer a three-year B. Voc (Bachelor of Vocation) degree programme in Industrial Fishing Technology (IFT), the first of its kind in the country.

The institute had been set up near Ariyaman beach to cater to students in the coastal districts of Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari, which constituted 60% of the total fisherfolks, said G. Sugumar, Director, Directorate of Incubation and Vocational Training in Fisheries (DIVF).

He said the University Grants Commission (UGC) had approved the six-semester (two semesters in a year) programme with flexible exit options on successful completion of the first and the second year of study to suit the requirements of students. The programme had been designed for gaining expertise in sustainable fishing practices, deep sea navigation and marine engineering, he said.

“This course offers a wide scope for students,” he said, adding the degree programme would start from this academic year and 20 students would be admitted. Students should apply online at www.tnjfu.ac.in and the issue of application would close on August 22. Students who completed the course could find placement in deep sea fishing vessels, he said.

Students who opted out after the first year would be given a diploma and they could appear for Marine Mercantile Department (MMD) examination for Mate (Fishing vessel) examination after getting sea service.

On completion of the second year, the students, who wished to opt out, would be given an advanced diploma and they could appear for Skipper Grade II (Fishing vessel) examination. On successful completion of the course, the students could appear for Skipper Grade I (Fishing vessel) examination, he added.

Those who had passed Plus Two with science subjects could apply for the course, he said, adding each semester would cost about ₹5,000. The university had also introduced B. Voc (Industrial Aquaculture) at its institute in Muttukadu near Chennai, he said.