The New England Young Fishermen’s Alliance (NEYFA) is entering its fourth year of helping the next generation set a course for success in the commercial fishing industry.
On April 16, NEYFA kicked off its 2025 Deckhand to Captain Training Program with a new cohort of six young fishermen and women eager to become owner-operators of their own small-boat businesses.
Based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, NEYFA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2022 by executive director Andrea Tomlinson. Its mission is to preserve and protect the region’s small-boat fleet by supporting future captains on deck and on land.
“This being our fourth annual Deckhand to Captain Training already doesn’t seem real—the past three years have flown by!” said Tomlinson. “We’ve graduated 16 trainees so far; at least half are now owner-operators of their vessels, while the others are actively developing their business plans. It feels great to be directly addressing the ‘graying of the fleet’ and helping young people step into the captain’s wheelhouse, enabling the future of our domestic seafood supply.”
Developed by fishermen, for fishermen, the program is free to participants and focuses on building the critical skills needed to run a successful small-boat business. Training includes business management, loan acquisition, branding, marketing, tax assistance, and navigating state and federal regulations. The program also dives into federal fisheries policy, permit diversification, and advocacy, offering a well-rounded path from deckhand to captain.
Each participant is matched with a veteran captain mentor, who helps guide them through securing insurance, purchasing a vessel and permit, and developing a business plan. USCG-certified Safety/Survival and Drill Conductor training is also part of the program, along with a 15-hour commitment to collaborative research or advocacy.
“Working with our trainees is always inspiring,” said program coordinator Bella Dziak. “Each of them brings a unique perspective to class, united by the shared goal of owning a boat and running a fishing business. This program not only equips them with the essential skills to reach that goal, but also builds a supportive community within NEYFA—one that’s dedicated to a sustainable, local seafood system.”
Classes run every other week from April 24 through December 16 at Carey Cottage in Portsmouth, NH, and are open to applicants aged 18-45 from southern Maine, northern Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Upon meeting course requirements and submitting an approved business plan, each trainee receives a $5,000 stipend. Mentors receive a $2,000 stipend in recognition of their time and expertise. The 2024 class saw all six participants successfully complete the program, and those stipends went straight toward purchasing boats and permits.
“The most impactful part of the program was the classes focused on public speaking and business plan development,” said 2024 graduate Stoyan Papazov. “I’m buying my first lobster boat this year and feel positive and more confident about the next step.” Papazov also highlighted the importance of safety training and plans to apply the skills he’s gained as he starts his own small-boat business.
The Deckhand to Captain program continues to thrive thanks to generous support from the National Sea Grant, Builders Initiative, and a NOAA grant through CDS support.
To learn more about NEYFA and their programs, visit www.neyoungfishermen.org or follow them on Instagram @ne_youngfishermensalliance.
