Fishing First Aid & Safety Training (FFAST)

Two groups of fishermen on the deck of a fishing boat practice packaging and carrying an injured crewmate safely.

Photo: Trav Williams

commercial fishing is a challenging - and rewarding - occupation

The risk of injury is always present. Although the U.S. Coast Guard recommends one or more crewmembers to be first-aid and CPR trained, most first-aid courses assume there will be quick access to an ambulance and hospital. The more likely scenario: fishermen will need to use their training during a long, physically demanding day in rough seas.

This course is specifically designed for commercial fishermen, and customizes existing wilderness first aid training to better prepare fishermen to prevent and treat injuries encountered at sea.

The training considers small crews, common injuries, vessel environments, cold water, rough seas and delayed emergency response times. It includes additional topics that are of specific interest to people who work and/or recreate on the water. It addresses information relevant to the types of illnesses & injuries that are more common in marine environments, and is applicable to situations that might arise on the water.

free, 2-day training

FFAST is structured as a condensed, 2-day course so that working captains & crew can get back to fishing safely, (F)FAST! Full vessel crews are encouraged to attend. Successful completion of this course will fulfill the U.S. Coast Guard requirements for:

CPR & AED
Basic First Aid

interested?

CA Sea Grant is gauging interest from regions across California to provide FFAST as well as the California Commercial Fishing Apprenticeship Program to your fleet. Email apalinkas@ucsd.edu for more information and to let us know if you're interested in either of these opportunities, and we look forward to working with you to find the best times for your region's fishing season.