ALASKA MARINE SAFETY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION (AMSEA) INSTRUCTOR

Title:
AMSEA Instructor for safety and survival courses for commercial and recreational fishermen

Composition:
Classes given to commercial fishermen to emphasize and reinforce some of the basic topics in marine safety and survival in Alaskan waters. Classes were part lecture, part hands-on practicals, and part drill practice on a fishing vessel. Lecture topics included basics in hypothermia, the 7 steps to survival, emergency equipment, survival suits and raft deployment and many other topics. Praciticals included flare deployment, survival suit and raft operations in a pool, using a flooding trainer, and basic use of fire extinguishers. Drills done onboard fishing vessels included man overboard, taking on water, fire, and others. Two classes were offered, a 10 hour and more detailed 18 hour course.

Dates:
Coursework is offered year-round

Audience:
The attendance of these classes has been somewhat limited to do timing and engaging fishermen. In the last two years, two courses have been given for up to 8 people. Attendees were fishermen from Seattle, Alaska and even Unalaska.

Effect:
These classes offer fishermen a huge of amount of information and hands-on training that may end up saving their and others lives. The pracitcals allow and train students to actually use a fire extinguisher, a common piece of equipment that is rarely ever used. The drill portion of the class offers fishermen a chance to get feedback from trained instructors on how to be more realistic, thurough, or effective. Class attendees graduate with a Coast Guard required drill instructor certification card.

Products:
The main product for class is a safer, more thoughtful fisherman in Alaskan waters. The efforts of AMSEA instructors over the years has certainly done their part in reducing the casualties taken by the Bering Sea.

Sea Grant tenants addressed:
Education and Outreach

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