Commercial Fishing Apprenticeship Program

The Commercial Fishing Apprenticeship Program (CFAP) introduces jobseekers to apprenticeship, a direct pathway to careers in the RI commercial fishing industry. This training program provides essential knowledge and skills to hard-working, self-motivated, and dependable men and women. Upon completion of the month-long training, participants will have the potential to become the next generation of conservation-minded fishermen and secure full-time employment aboard local commercial fishing vessels

The program consists of hands-on, classroom-based training sessions, and at-sea training. Hands-on components will include safety training, seamanship, navigation, basic vessel maintenance, gear design and repair. Classroom sessions will include Fishing as a Business, Rhode Island Fisheries Management and Regulations, Cooperative Research, Data Collection, Species Identification, and the Ethics of Responsible Fishing Practices. As part of the program, apprentices get 3 days at sea and get to experience different types of fishing and gear types. Training locations are both Point Judith and Kingston, Rhode Island.

What is involved and Provided?
Commitment of month-long training program (Monday-Friday from 8am-5 pm)
Daily one-hour lunch break with $15 stipend
3 days at sea aboard a vessel. Get to select 2 types of fishing experiences (Trawling, lobstering, gillnetting, dredging)
All gear is provided (boots, foul-weather gear, gloves)
All course material and books are provided
You will receive a $1,500 stipend ​during the program and assistance in securing employment on a local vessel