The Torres Strait Maritime Pathways Program (TSMPP) is a partnership between the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA). It has been working since 2013 to develop maritime skills and capabilities for Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal people.

The program opens career pathways in fishing, tourism, coastal trading and offshore shipping by assisting Indigenous people to acquire relevant qualifications and experience to join existing maritime businesses or to create their own new businesses.

AMSA Chief Executive Officer, Mick Kinley, said AMSA is proud of its work to close the gap in the maritime industry.

“The TSMPP works by partnering community development programs with maritime safety programs to achieve outcomes neither can achieve alone. It has opened employment pathways for Indigenous people in the maritime industry and it has improved marine safety in many Torres Strait communities,” Mr Kinley said.

Key outcomes of the TSMPP since November 2013:

• 95% of 170 participants completed training and achieved nationally accredited qualifications
• 87% of TSMPP participants are employed in maritime related industries including commercial fishing, diving, passenger ferries, maritime training and government vessel operations.
• With high level qualifications forming part of the TSMPP, some individuals are making the transition from employee to employer. For example, six TSMPP participants are now employing at least two indigenous staff members in their local community.

The work of the TSMPP continues. This week, AMSA is supporting Indigenous students working towards advanced qualifications at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania.

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