MDPI Facilitates SKN Training in East Seraya Village

_{by Muhammad Alzaki Tristi}

50 fishermen in East Seraya Village have successfully demonstrated their capabilities and legality in fishing activities at sea. They will be awarded Fisherman Competency Certificates, which will relieve them of the need for permits.

Masyarakat Dan Perikanan Indonesia (MDPI) Foundation, in collaboration with the Pengambengan Fishery Port Authority, and supported by the Capture Fisheries Division of the Bali Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office and the Capture Fisheries Division of Karangasem Regency, facilitated technical guidance (bimtek) for Fisherman Competency Certification (SKN) in East Seraya Village, Karangasem Regency, Bali Province, on Thursday, 22nd February.

This SKN bimtek activity is an essential prerequisite to maximize the knowledge and skills of fishermen. Additionally, this certificate serves as evidence of professionalism for fishermen while they are active in Indonesian waters.

Ambar Tri Harnanto, A. Pi, from the Pengambengan Fishery Port Authority, who was also a speaker in this SKN bimtek, said, “This SKN is an important requirement for fishermen, as evidence of competence and legality to operate vessels under 5 GT (Gross Tonnage). This certificate will also prove that our fishermen or ship captains have competence in terms of work safety at sea.”

The materials presented during the SKN bimtek covered basic navigation principles, safety at sea, codes, and communications during sea voyages, and knowledge about accident handling. To maximize the expected outcomes, participants were also asked to answer questions before and after the material presentations.

This SKN bimtek activity was attended by the Head of the Capture Fisheries Division of the Bali Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office, I Ketut Purianta. S.Pi., M.Si, the Head of the Capture Fisheries Division of Karangasem Regency, I Nyoman Sugiarta, and the Village Head of East Seraya, Made Pertu.

“We highly appreciate this activity, and hopefully, it will help us achieve our common goals, especially in enhancing skills, improving the welfare of the community, and facilitating training among fishermen, so that in the future, fishermen will have good competence and meet the requirements according to applicable laws,” said I Ketut Purianta. S.Pi., M.Si, Head of the Capture Fisheries Division of the Bali Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office. Furthermore, he hoped that activities like this could continue sustainably in other places.

The enthusiasm of the fishermen during this bimtek indicates that a proactive attitude and two-way communication took place throughout the activity. Made Latra, a fisherman in East Seraya Village, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I hope for the best from what the speakers presented, and I’m glad to participate in this activity.”

Fisherman Competency Certification (SKN) acknowledges fishermen’s abilities, ensuring that they meet the qualifications for sailing. SKN is awarded to fishermen who have vessels ranging from 1 to 5 GT and ship crews with capacities up to 30 GT (gross tonnage). Additionally, SKN also plays a role in directing fishermen to comply with government regulations and applicable maritime safety standards.

MDPI reaffirms its commitment to supporting government initiatives that promote responsible fishing practices. As part of its social responsibility efforts to enhance fisheries sustainability, MDPI collaborates with the Bali Provincial Marine and Fisheries Office and the Karang Asem Department of Food Security, Agriculture, and Fisheries to organize technical guidance (bimtek) for Fisherman Competency Certification (SKN) for fishermen under its supervision in operational areas. This collaboration also involves instructors approved by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) at technical work units in fishing ports in several regions. This activity marks the second time it has been conducted in the Karangasem Regency area.

Watch the excitement of the SKN bimtek activity in East Seraya Village in the following video!