FSM-FMI Cadets Visit Fishing Vessel Mathawmarfach

Colonia, Yap (March 27, 2014) – Members of the FSM-Fisheries and Maritime Institute (FSM-FMI) visited aboard the fishing vessel Mathawmarfach on March 17, 2014. The vessels recently returned to Yap after dry-docking in the Philippines.

The first group of six Marine Engineering cadets visited and the remaining 47 cadets within the Navigation and Fishing Technology programs followed with an afternoon tour.  All cadets were given a general tour of the vessel, with in-depth focus of the various parts and functions of the ship was given to groups based on field of concentration. 

Such visits aboard ships are a routine part of the learning experience for FSM-FMI cadets. This provides them with the opportunity to talk with seamen who live and work aboard vessels; and to see how the knowledge imparted in the classroom relates to real-life, practical applications.

Recruitment and Placement Officer Augustino Sanemai points out, the Mathawmarfach has something to offer all cadets because it inherently contains all elements related to the major programs offered at FSM-FMI:  Navigation, Marine Engineering and Fishing Technology.

Mr. Sanemai works with shipping agencies and companies operating within the FSM in continuing efforts to place graduates aboard vessels to acquire sea-time and experience.  Some of these efforts have resulted in shipboard trainees being permanently placed on some of the fishing vessels. 

In the early 2000’s, some of the students were placed aboard the Mathawmarfach and Yap Seagull as trainees and a few were thereafter hired on as part of the crew.  Jacob Hasuglur and Frank Talimemai, former FSM-FMI graduates, are currently serving onboard the Mathawmarfach, while Lorenzo Yarofalfeg is a crewmember of the Yap Seagull.