Safety Training for Commercial Fishermen

Drill Conductor courses are U.S. Coast Guard-accepted marine safety training courses. They are recommended for captains and crew serving on any commercial vessel.  The courses provide practical information on the survival equipment found on most commercial vessels and on conducting emergency onboard drills. Skills are learned in a hands-on format and many classes have an in-the-water, skills practice session.

Overview

Training is conducted for two days. The first day is classroom, curriculum-based education with open disscussions about the fishermen’s needs at sea. The second day is the practical skill portion letting the fishermen practice the skills needed for survival at sea. Texas Sea Grant partnered with AMSEA and the US Coast Guard to conduct these trainings in Texas. 

16-hour courses meet the USCG requirements for commercial fishermen. Everyone who successfully completes these courses is issued a Drill Conductor Card that serves as proof of compliance with USCG training requirements.

Topics covered in both courses include:

  • Cold-Water Survival Skills
  • EPIRBs, Signal Flares, and MAYDAY Calls
  • Man Overboard Recovery
  • Firefighting
  • Flooding & Damage Control
  • Dewatering Pumps
  • Immersion Suits and PFDs
  • Abandon Ship Procedures
  • Helicopter Rescue
  • Life Rafts
  • Emergency Procedures Drills
Fishermen safety training group in panchos

June 2022 Fishermen Safety Training in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard and AMSEA

Gallery

Products and Resources

Materials produced or created in support of this program/project. Browse brochures, find more information, or contact the organizers to learn more.

Events and Workshops

Partners

United States Coast Guard

Alaska Marine Safety Educatiion Association

For More information

Contact

Nikki Fitzgerald

Nikki Fitzgerald

Coastal and Marine Extension Agent, Jefferson-Chambers County