Vessel Services and Maintenance will focus on preparing you to work as Bristol Bay Commercial Fisherman, though, the skills taught are transferable beyond the Bay. This is a two part course; the cohort will attend Intensive Week 3 (Part I) and Intensive Week 4 (Part II). Attending Part II is not required, but encouraged. If Part II is not filled, we will accept new students to the cohort. This, in conjunction with Part I, makes up the first tier of the Skipper Apprenticeship Training Program. Four college credits are available to students who complete both sessions.
Vessel Services and Maintenance Part II teaches introduction to DC Electrical, Refrigeration, Hydraulic Basics, the Business of Fishing, and Marine First Aid. DC electrical gives the students experience wiring their own set up, utilizing a variety of wire connection options, installing bilge pumps, and installing lighting systems. The Refrigeration and Hydraulic Basics takes the students through Heat Theory, different portions of refrigeration systems, common troubleshooting techniques, and hydraulic maxims. The Business of Fish introduces students to owning and running a successful fishing business in regards to business planning, insurance, and tax preparation. And lastly, Marine First Aid is guided by AMSEA to identify common injuries on board fishing vessels and how to respond.
Your instructors will be Alaska Sea Grant Marine advisory program agents, Gabe Dunham and Tav Ammu, both Bristol Bay commercial fishing captains.
