Commercial Fishing Academy
The Commercial Fishing Academy trains future commercial fishers to safely, legally, and sustainably enter the Commercial Fishing Industry. The Academy includes a 48-hour classroom-based course in Morehead City, NC and a 100-hour underway apprenticeship onboard active commercial fishing vessels. Students are matched to vessels within the region of their choice in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia.
Academy Overview
The goal of the Commercial Fishing Academy is to recruit, train, and educate aspiring fishers at the entry level, preparing them to enter the work force in a safe and sustainable manner. The Commercial Fishing Academy will provide future fishers with the necessary knowledge and resources to begin an apprenticeship underway or start a new business.
Commercial Fishing Academy Focus Areas
- General Knowledge &Fishing Vessel Nomenclature
- Fishing Vessel Safety
- Commercial Fishing Laws, Regulations & Requirements
- Fishing Techniques & Gear
- Fishing Business (a collaboration with the small business center)
Topics covered include the following:
- Basic navigation & navigation rules
- Terminology
- Line handling
- Deck Gear and equipment
- Safe working loads
- Engine Maintenance (motors, pumps, generators and other engine types with required maintenance.)
Additional break out sessions are offered for outboard and diesel maintenance familiarization.
A hands-on A-Z description of safety gear and operation with live firing of pyrotechnic and life raft breakout sessions. Additionally, students will be joined by local USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examiner to discuss inspections and common issues found onboard fishing vessels. Other topics addressed included stability fundamentals, serious marine incident reporting guidelines, and required drills.
Students will learn federal and state registration and documentation requirements for legal operation. Including fishing permits, AIS, FCC licensing, etc. Students will also cover the citizenship requirements for staffing 75/25 rule, MARPOL, report all injuries, oil discharge, etc.
In this section, students go through a deep description of the distinct types of commercial fisheries, the vessel types, and gear they use. Additional topics include:
- Comprehensive species identification including endangered species identification
- Marine mammal protection act
- Sea turtle regulations
- Bycatch reduction.
Students will also be given resources to help stay current with state and federal fishing regulations.
Students are provided with an overview of resources available through the Small Business Center at Carteret Community College. Topics in this section include budgeting, pricing, marketing, catch reporting, insurance, and tax benefits.
The Next Generation of Commercial Fishing
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