Photo: Participants get hands-on instruction aboard a purse seiner near Vashon Island, WA. Courtsey Gig Harbor BoatShop

Learn the Skills to Land a Job Fishing Salmon in Alaska

The Purse Seine Vessel Crewmember Training Program

Thursday 9/21/23 through Sunday 9/24/23

Gig Harbor, WA – The Gig Harbor BoatShop’s Purse Seine Vessel Crewmember Training Program, or “Crew School,” is designed to teach fundamental skills needed to work on a commercial fishing vessel. Led by experienced captains and crew, the hands-on curriculum will be taught in the BoatShop’s classroom, aboard commercial fishing vessels in south Puget Sound, and at the historic Ancich Netshed. The cost of the program is $100, which includes Sea Safety and Survival (Drill Instructor) training.

The program will take place over four days, starting on September 21, 2023. The first three days will be led by longtime purse seine captain Gregg Lovrovich, followed by one day of sea safety and survival training by a USCG-approved instructor. The program goal is to introduce the participant to basic skills required aboard fishing vessels, primarily purse seiners, and to provide participants a window into the onboard life of a commercial fishing crewmember.  “I’m looking forward to sharing my commercial fishing experience with our students, and to introducing a younger generation to purse seining,” said instructor Gregg Lovrovich.

Program participants will be introduced to the basics of net mending, navigation, line handling, and on-deck skills. The finale is setting and hauling of a purse seine net from a purse seine vessel, a task that is repeated 10 to 15 times per day during a salmon season. Participants that successfully complete the training will receive a certificate of completion, as well as Sea Safety Drill Instructor certification.

Salmon purse seiners that fish in Alaska are typically crewed by four or five people including a skipper. The fishing season runs from mid-June to early September; any given vessel’s participation varies in length within that window of time. Crewmembers live aboard for the entire season, and often visit towns like Petersburg, Sitka or Kodiak to unload fish or get provisions. Crewmembers are compensated on a share basis, meaning a percentage of total catch. 

If seeing Alaska and having an unforgettable adventure interests you, then this crewmember training program is for you! For more program information or to register visit the Gig Harbor BoatShop website at www.gigharborboatshop.org or call (253) 857-9344.