California Commercial Fishing Apprenticeship Program
Training for a 21st Century Fishing Career
The application period for 2026 CCFAP Apprentices has closed.
The program consists of ~130 hours of shore-based workshops coordinated & hosted by California Sea Grant and education partners followed by 1,000 hours of on-the-job training under California licensed commercial fishermen.
- What is the California Commercial Fishing Apprenticeship Program? See the video here.
- California Commercial Fishing Apprenticeship Program (CCFAP) Practical Manual
Please make sure you understand and comply with the entry requirements described in the practical manual.
Learn as you work under experienced California fishermen
fisheries science, conservation & practice -- boat & fishing gear competency -- business & marketing -- safety & seamanship
Why become a fishing apprentice?
Fishing can be a viable career, especially given the growing demand for local, responsibly sourced seafood. But how can you get started in the business?
Regulations are complex. Working at sea can be challenging. Selling the product—especially new and emerging fish species that people may not know about—requires business and marketing skills. By apprenticing with experienced fishermen, you can gain the knowledge and skills to launch your career in fishing.
What’s involved?
The training program will take 6 to 12 months, starting with about 130 hours of workshop instruction followed by a minimum of 1,000 hours of paid, on-the-job training. Trainees earn money while they work and workshops, whenever possible, are tuition free or price reduced.
Candidates must be at least 18 years old, be nominated by a licensed commercial fisherman sponsor, meet program entry criteria and pass a probationary period before working on boats.
Workshops: Workshop instruction prepares you for and supplements on-the-job training. You will learn about various aspects of the occupation, such as marine science, fisheries management, data collection, safety, seamanship, marketing and business. Workshops will be conducted over a four-week period at the start of the program and will be provided through partnerships with public and private education groups. Some activities will be online.
Hands-on experience: Licensed California commercial fishermen provide training before, during and after fishing trips to teach you how to prepare, operate, maintain, repair and stow boats and gear. Training also covers the sale of catch.
Certificates of Completion
After the program, you will have gained a solid foundation in modern commercial fishing skills and an understanding of the environment in which fishermen work. By the end of the program, you will receive the following certificates or cards:
- California Boater Card (a pre-requisite of the program)
- The California Commercial Fishing Apprenticeship Program
- USCG-accepted First Aid, CPR AED
- USCG-accepted Onboard Drill Instructor
- Seafood Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Point
How do I find a licensed commercial fisherman sponsor?
You will need to connect with a fisherman who is willing to hire you as a crew member for your 1,000 hours of on-the-job training. So, head down to the docks, visit your local fishermen's market and make those connections!
How do I register?
Registration for 2026 apprentices closed on December 1st, 2025, but remains open for sponsoring captains.
If you would like more information about the Program or are interested in applying to be an apprentice in the future/in another location, please fill out the entire form here, and get started on finding a commercial fisherman sponsor if you don't already have one.
The San Diego WINTER/SPRING 2026 shore-based Workshop Schedule
Trainings and workshops are open to CFAP apprentices as priority, with remaining openings available to early-career fishers. If you are an active, early-career commercial fisher and are interested in taking any of the shore-based trainings listed below, please email seacareers@ucsd.edu to be put on a registration waitlist.
| Date | Times | Workshop | Location |
| September 1, 2025 | End of day | Application & Registration Period Open (for apprentices & sponsors/mentors) | San Diego, CA |
| September 1 - November 30, 2025 | weekend mornings (must pre-schedule with CA Sea Grant staff) | Apprentice Candidate Meet-and-Greets | Tuna Harbor Dockside Market (Saturdays) North County Fishermen's Market (Sundays) |
| December 1, 2025 | End of day | Application Period Closes for Apprentices Only (Sponsors/Mentors encouraged to continue submitting registration form) | San Diego, CA |
| December 15, 2025 | End of day | Deadline for Apprentice Registration & Commitment | Online |
| December 15, 2025 | End of day | Online; BoatUS Foundation | |
| December 8 - 9, 2025 | 8:00am - 5:00pm | ||
| January 12 - 13, 2026 (1 1/2-day) | 1/12: 8:30am - 4:30pm 1/13: 8:30am - 1:30pm | Tuna Harbor | |
| January 13 - 14, 2026 (1 1/2-day) | 1/13: 2:00pm - 5:30pm 1/14: 8:30am - 5:30pm | Tuna Harbor Ski Beach Mission Bay | |
| January 24 - 26, 2026 | 1/24: 8:00am - 3:00pm 1/25: 9:00am - 1:00pm 1/26: 8:00am - 3:30pm | Fishing Science, Conservation & Practice* | Santa Monica Seafoods (Chesapeake Fish Co.) |
| January 31, 2026 | End of day | Online; BoatUS Foundation | |
| February 4 - 5, 2026 | daytime | Seafood Business, Marketing & Crossover Skills* | |
| March 2026 (1-day) | daytime | ||
| March 2026 (5-day) | evenings | The Maritime Institute | |
| March 2026 (5-day) | evenings | The Maritime Institute | |
| *Additional spaces in workshops marked with an asterisk may be open to active & early-career commercial fishers on a limited basis. Please email seacareers@ucsd.edu if you are a licensed CA commercial fisher and would like to attend one or more of these workshops, and specify which workshops you are interested in. | |||
Are you a commercial fisherman who wants to sponsor and Mentor an apprentice? Let us know!
Please fill out this CCFAP Potential Sponsor Interest Form and we will be in touch.
Why become a mentor?
You will have access to our pool of apprentices - if you are looking for productive crew members who are proud of their work, eager to learn, and invested in the industry - these are pre-screened, well-trained, potential crew members. As a mentor, you will also establish stronger connections and relationships with scientists, managers and others in the community who can help to address fishing industry needs. Your participation and support for the success of the program means recognition and potential funding to offset future training costs for trainers and apprentices.
What are my responsibilities as mentor/sponsor?
As mentor, you take an apprentice on as a working deckhand for 1000 hours of paid, comprehensive, on-the-job training. Show your apprentice the hands-on work necessary to operate a commercial fishing business, while maintaining a safe, equitable, and respectful work environment. We provide guidance and checklists for evaluating the apprentice's skills so that you can maintain and submit records of their on-the-job training hours, and achievement of milestones. If your fishing schedule is not continuous throughout the year or season, you may consider co-sponsoring with other fishermen.
Your participation may not only strengthen your business, but will help to ensure a future for commercial fishing in California. Take pride in being a leader and role model, treat apprentices with grace, respect, and fairness that you expect for yourself - and train them to the best of your abilities.
contact information
Request more information: fill out the top of this form
email: seacareers@ucsd.edu
California Commercial Fishing Apprenticeship Program
California Sea Grant, UC San Diego
9500 Gilman Dr. #0232
La Jolla, CA 92093-0232