For commercial fishermen, safety isn’t just a best practice; it’s a literal lifeline. Washington Sea Grant is offering their new Skills and Drills First Aid for Fishermen course, providing hands-on training to help crews prepare for work at sea.
The upcoming two-day course, scheduled for March 28 in Bellingham, Washington, is open to all commercial fishermen seeking hands-on experience performing tasks, such as welding and navigation, that may be required on commercial fishing vessels.
The Skills and Drills course will offer:
- Basics of welding
- Fiberglass repairs
- Vessel handling
- Navigation
- Maintenance of inboard and outboard engines
- Fishing gear repair (net mending and knot tying)
- Marine hydraulics
- Marine electronics
- Vessel cleaning and safe product handling
Washington Sea Grant will also share that their next Fisherman First Aid and Safety Training will take place April 24-25 in Westport, WA. More details are available here.
“Commercial fishing is one of the most hazardous occupations, and having the right training can make all the difference in an emergency,” Washington Sea Grant noted. “This course is designed to give fishermen the confidence and hands-on experience they need to act quickly when it matters most.”
In addition to first aid, the Skills and Drills course strongly emphasizes teamwork, communication, and situational awareness, all of which are crucial components in preventing accidents before they occur. Past participants have praised the training for its realistic drills and experienced instructors, many of whom have backgrounds in emergency response and commercial fishing.
Registration is now open through the University of Washington’s website. A $100 fee covers course materials and instruction. Space is limited, so fishermen are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot. For more details and to register, visit here.
