Combatting illegal fishing and poor working conditions in the fisheries sector were discussed at a meeting held in Seychellesby representatives from 10 countries in the Indian Ocean region. Human rights abuses in the fisheries sector and unregulated illegal fishing and associated crimes were also discussed.

"It is important to follow up on this work at international, regional and national levels,"said  FAO's Felix Martin, "and it's important to have stakeholders from governments, seafood industry, fishworker organizations and unions from ten different East African countries working alongside us in the Seychelles to discuss concrete next steps to achieving decent work in the sector throughout the Western Indian Ocean"

FAO’s Scoping study on decent work and employment in fisheries and aquaculture highlighted that assuming that on average each job-holder provides for three dependents or family members, it is estimated that overall, fisheries and aquaculture contributes to the livelihoods of 10–12 percent of the world’s population.

More details can be found in the press release here.

Lynze Marimba, Shipping Agency Operations Manager of Mahe Shipping, has been awarded a Diploma in Ship and Port Agency by North Kent College and Lloyd's Maritime Academy.

The diploma includes:

• a thorough examination of the modern agent’s role
• the different services required and provided
• core commercial skills
• legal issues for agents and
• the latest contemporary issues in the sector

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) and the Government of Seychelles have joined forces to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean. Piracy threatens the security of sea trade routes and is estimated to cost the international economy US$7-12 billion per year.

The shipping lanes in ths vicinity of Seychelles EEZ are among the busiest in the world. Under the alliance, the UKHO conducted Navigation, Stabilisation Advice and Training (SONSAT) activities in Seychelles, intended to raise government officials’ awareness of existing infrastructure and other services such as the World-Wide Navigational Warning Service and Rescue Coordination Centres.


The UK Government’s Conflict Stability and Security Fund funded the training out on behalf of the Foreign Commonwealth Office. The programme is part of the UK support to the newly established Regional Centre for Operation Coordination in Victoria.

Colonel Andre Ciseau of Seychelles Port Authority has been confirmed as the Secretary General of the Port Management Association of Eastern and Southern Africa (PMAESA). The Headquarters of PMAESAis based in Mombasa, Kenya.  it brings together port operators, government ministries, service providers and other stakeholders from East Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean regions. The regional body was established in April 1973 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa..

Colonel Ciseau has also served in the Seychelles Peoples Defence Forces and was prominent in the formation of the Seychelles Coast Guard.

Seychelles Port Authority plans to expand Port Victoria in order to accommodate larger vessels and more vessels have reached an advanced stage. The existing quay of Port Victoria of 270 metres will be extended an additional 330 metres and will be able to accommodate two ships of up to 250 metres in length at the same time. 

The project will is costingt around $107 million and commenced in late 2017. It is expected to and be completed by 2021. Port Victoria was built in 1972, and was last extended in 1986.

Le Lapérouse arrived at Port Victoria tosday. This brand new vessel is the lead ship of Ponant Explorers-class cruiseships operated by Ponant. Each member of the class has been allocated the name of a famous French explorer.  Le Lapérouse is named after naval officer Jean François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse, who was appointed in 1785 by Louis XVI to lead a scientific expedition around the world. This followed the Pacific Ocean discoveries of Captain James Cook, who Lapérouse greatly admired. Built by VARD, Le Lapérouse was launched on on 18 December 2017, and following successful sea trials that began in May 2018 she was delivered to Ponant in Ålesund on 15 June 2018.

The cruiseship Boudicca operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines made it's third call of the 2018/2019 season at Port Victoria on 20-21 November. The vessel made inward clearance at Praslin on 19 November. Two further calls are planned, one in December and one in January 2019.

The cruiseship Boudicca operated by Fred Olsen Cruises has called at Port Victoria, Mahe on 5 November, sailing on 6 November bound for Praslin. Mahe Shipping acted as agents for the vessel.

Named after the British warrior Queen, Boudicca caters for up to 880 passengers.   Three further calls are scheduled before the end of 2018 with a further two calls in 2019.