Providing critical Drill Conductor Training to state, tribal commercial fishers

Michigan Sea Grant provides training to help state and tribal Great Lakes commercial fishing vessel captains fulfill U.S. Coast Guard regulations related to instruction, drills and safety orientations, and onboard emergency instruction.

Drill conductor training

Commercial fishing is known to be one of the most dangerous professions. In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce fatalities related to fishing. Some of the major emergencies that occur on commercial fishing vessels include person overboard, fire and flooding. State- and tribal-licensed commercial fishers are required by the U.S. Coast Guard to practice monthly emergency drills. Those conducting these monthly drills must have passed a Drill Conductor Training course. 

Michigan Sea Grant provides training to help state and tribal Great Lakes commercial fishing vessel captains fulfill U.S. Coast Guard regulations related to instruction, drills and safety orientations, and onboard emergency instruction. 

  • Two Drill Conductor Training courses were held in 2017 and evaluated by 21 attendees.
  • Those attending indicated the hands-on drills on actual vessels helped increase their proficiency to react properly should an emergency arise.
  • The courses had representation from commercial fishers from Lakes Superior and also included two U.S. Coast Guard personnel needing the training.

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