Commercial Fishing Equipment Education and Training

Stay safe by learning to properly use all types of commercial fishing equipment
By Thomas Langford When using commercial fishing gear, good training can mean the difference between life and death. Commercial fishing is a dangerous industry and much of today's commercial fishing equipment is designed to help prevent a tragedy.
 

Providers of commercial fishing equipment try to make their commercial fishing products as easy to use as possible. That said, even if you are an experienced commercial fisherman, it is a good idea to frequently complete commercial fishing equipment education and training. This way, proper use of commercial fishing supplies will become instinctual. Steps to ensure you are properly trained on supplies for the fishing industry include:

1. Locate literature that explains proper use of a commercial fishing supply.

2. View videos on how to use equipment for commercial fishing.

3. Find classes that teach the use of commercial fishing products.

Read up on the best way to use commercial fishing gear

Providers of commercial fishing gear and safety organizations are a great source for commercial fishing equipment training and education. Many publish guide books that explain the proper use of commercial fishing products.
Try: The website for the Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examiners Association is a great source of information, including what type of equipment is required aboard commercial fishing vessels. From the linked page, scroll down and click the topic in which you're interested. The North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners' Association publishes several books that cover proper equipment use and safety techniques.

Watch videos that explain proper use of commercial fishing supplies

A number of different videos are available that explain the proper use of commercial fishing gear. The biggest benefit of these videos is that you can watch them anytime you want and learn about equipment for the fishing industry on a schedule that works for you. The downside is that you can not ask questions, and the video may not cover the specific fishing industry equipment that you have on your boat.
Try: Check out the series of videos from Maritime Training Services, which explains survival skills as well as proper use of commercial fishing gear including life rafts, emergency radios and immersion suits. The Alaska Sea Grant College Program produces videos that explain how to use and maintain commercial fishing supplies.

Take classes that teach proper use of commercial fishing products

For complete commercial fishing equipment education and training, there is no substitute for a class with a live instructor. The inconvenience of having to travel to a class location is mitigated by the ability to ask questions, talk to peers in the class and fully submerge yourself in the training.
Try: The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association offers courses for captains and crew members who are serving on commercial fishing vessels. Participants will learn survival skills and proper use of commercial fishing gear, especially safety gear. FishSafe is a commercial fishing vessel safety program that offers free dockside equipment inspections and training.

• Contact the U.S. Coast Guard for help finding commercial fishing equipment education and training in your area.