The objective of The Vessel Development and Design Program is to provide professional/technical support to the Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture, other Government departments (i.e. the Department of Innovation, Trade, and Rural Development, and the Department of Justice) and to the fishing industry (i.e. fishermen. boat builders and designers).  Along with providing technical support to the fishing industry, the major role of the program is to help the fishing industry develop projects which will address the vessel design/development needs of the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing fleet, and provide harvesters with access to technology, vessel design, or a vessel which will provide the greatest opportunity for economic viability.

Emphasis of the program is placed on optimizing fishing vessels in terms of:

       Vessel layout and equipment to facilitate the landing of quality fish.
       Extending operating seasons.
       Operational efficiency. 
       Safety of the vessel and crew. 

Program development is subject to available funding.  In order to meet the objectives of the program, a number of strategies are used in project development:

Technology Transfer
Fishermen are exposed to technology, vessels and equipment used elsewhere in North America and Europe through Technology Transfer.

Vessel Design/Research and Development Initiatives
Fishermen, boat builders and designers are helped with the acquisition of existing designs, the development of new designs, or the test of designs which incorporate the needs of the industry.