BPPSDM-KP utilises ship simulator to improve marine and fisheries human resources in Maluku
The Marine and Fisheries Human Resources Development and Extension Agency (BPPSDM-KP) has introduced the use of a Bridge and Engine Simulator at the Ambon Fisheries Training and Extension Centre (BPPP) to improve the competence and safety of fishing vessel crews in eastern Indonesia.
Head of BPPSDM-KP, I Nyoman Radiarta, said in Ambon on Friday that the simulator marks an initial step towards strengthening BPPP Ambon as a centre for developing the competence of fishing vessel crews in the eastern Indonesia region.
“The presence of the Bridge and Engine Simulator at BPPP Ambon is highly strategic,” he said during the launch and inauguration of the simulator in Ambon.
The use of the simulator, he said, is important because the work of fishing vessel crews carries a high level of risk, meaning safety is determined not only by the seaworthiness of the vessel but also by the competence, discipline and skill of the crew operating it.
He explained that Indonesia has ratified STCW-F 1995 through Presidential Regulation Number 18 of 2019. Therefore, the education, training and certification of fishing vessel crews must continue to be improved in accordance with applicable standards.
“My hope is that BPPP Ambon will become even stronger as a centre for developing the competence of fishing vessel crews in the eastern Indonesia region, including in supporting the education, training and certification of Fishing Vessel Nautical Experts (Ankapin) and Fishing Vessel Engineering Experts (Atkapin),” he said.
Radiarta stressed that strengthening facilities must not stop at the construction of infrastructure. BPPP Ambon must ensure that the simulator is used optimally, so that it becomes an investment in human resource development that produces genuinely competent marine and fisheries workers.
“We must not let the facilities we have built become mere assets. These facilities must become an investment in human resources that produces competence,” he said.
He asked BPPP Ambon to develop a measurable plan for the use of the facilities, including ensuring that the simulator is actively used for education and training and is supported by competent instructors.
According to Radiarta, the facility also opens space for BPPP Ambon to expand its networks and collaboration with various educational and training institutions in eastern Indonesia, so that access to improving marine and fisheries human resource capacity is not concentrated only in Ambon.
“We want to produce fishing vessel crews who not only hold certificates but are truly competent, professional, have a strong safety culture and are competitive,” he said.
He added that strengthening human resources is in line with the development needs of the marine and fisheries sector in eastern Indonesia, which requires competent workers to support the management of marine resources and marine- and fisheries-based economic activities.
Radiarta expressed hope that all the facilities built will provide real benefits to the community and not merely be available facilities, but will be able to improve human resource competence and strengthen the competitiveness of the marine and fisheries sector in eastern Indonesia.