Capt. Ed Smith of the fishing vessel Claudia Marie, based in Manchester-by-the-Sea, was just one of the fishermen who learned or honed fundamental safety skills last week at the U.S. Coast Guard Station Gloucester, 17 Harbor Loop.
Fishing Partnership Support Services brought the free two-day Safety and Drill Conductor training for those commercial fishing to Gloucester on Thursday and Friday. The course is specifically designed for commercial fishermen — from captains and crew members to their families who may occasionally join trips to sea — who making a living in one of the deadliest occupations in the nation..
The first day focused on safety and survival strategies such as man overboard recovery, firefighting, flooding and damage control and more.
Day two allowed attendees to dive deeper into what they learned the day before. At the day’s end, participants were certified Alaska Marine Safety Education Association drill conductors, which meets Coast Guard requirements.
The Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety and Fishing Partnership Support Services also offered participants a 50% rebate on a life jacket of their choosing at the sessions.
Fishing Partnership Support Services regularly conducts such sessions; the next being hosted in Maine next week. Anyone interested can register at fishingpartnership.org/calendar or by contacting Fishing Partnership Support Services at 978-282-4847 or ngroppo@fishingpartnership.org.