Crewmember training program kickstarts fishing careers

Starting out as a commercial fisherman can be intimidating. Long hours, rough weather and the demands of working in close quarters make the job challenging. Training for young crewmembers can help provide a pathway to success. 

AK On-Board is a series of regional hands-on workshops that provides new crewmembers the knowledge, skills, safety training and confidence they need to succeed. The program is led by Alaska Sea Grant in partnership with the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association, Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, Alaska Marine Conservation Council and other regional partners.

“This program is designed to support beginning crew, because that is where most successful commercial fishing business owners started,” said Gabe Dunham, Alaska Sea Grant’s fisheries specialist. “Our mix of experienced partners and a regionally-responsive approach have created exciting opportunities for young people, and it’s really rewarding to see our attendees learn and connect with the industry.”  

Each training is three days of intensive instruction and practice in applied crew skills, such as knot tying and basic navigation, as well as soft skills to help them become successful, productive and healthy employees. Marine safety is a major focus—attendees spend a full day earning their 10-hour Drill Conductor certification, a U.S. Coast Guard-recognized credential that allows them to conduct and log emergency drills on commercial fishing vessels. 

Networking and mentorship are integral to the workshops. New crewmembers engage with commercial fishing business owners through tours, discussions and activities that help them get a better understanding of the commercial fishing life.

Each workshop is tailored for the host community and region by a local planning committee to ensure the instruction is appropriate to the local fisheries. 

In a short period, the AK On-Board program has already trained almost two dozen fishermen. Workshops were held in Sitka and Petersburg in 2024, and in Kodiak in 2025. Planning is underway for training in Western Alaska next year.

The program is supported by a Young Fishermen Development Program grant from the National Sea Grant College Program, through the federal Young Fishermen’s Development Act. Alaska Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs and a leader in workforce development for Alaska’s seafood harvesting, processing and mariculture industries. More information about Alaska Sea Grant’s resources and training for the commercial fishing industry are available on the Alaska Sea Grant website. A local news story about the AK On-Board training is posted on KMXT Radio, Kodiak.