Training Program, hosted by the New England Young Fishermen’s Alliance (NEYFA)

This is a hands-on, 5-week program for individuals ready to launch their career on local commercial fishing vessels in New England. Whether you’re drawn to lobstering, scalloping, groundfishing, tuna fishing, or simply want to gain real experience working on the water, this training will equip you with the skills and confidence to find employment in the industry.

Throughout the program, you’ll learn directly from experienced fishermen as your trainers, covering different topics, such as gear types, navigation basics, safety procedures, seamanship, and the essential money management and wellness skills that will help you stay balanced on & off the boat.

Rolling admissions begin in March.

Training Program, hosted by the Gulf Reef Fish Shareholders’ Alliance

The Gulf Commercial Fisherman Program (GCFP) provides a pathway for committed, hardworking men and women to pursue a career in commercial fishing. This unique-to-the-Gulf program will cultivate the next generation of commercial fishermen through hands-on training and networking with seasoned Gulf fisheries leaders. The real-world experience provided in the program will aid participants as they build businesses that carry on the cultural heritage of our fishing communities and provide high quality, sustainable seafood to our nation.

Application deadline: March 20th

Training Program, hosted by the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance

Have you wanted to pursue a career on the water and not known where to start? Fishermen’s Alliance hosts free training for new and beginning fishermen on Cape Cod.

Experienced fishermen, certified marine safety trainers, and local fisheries experts team up to conduct our introductory level course. The curriculum includes an overview of local fisheries, crew responsibilities and expectations, certification in at-sea safety/survival, basic knot tying, and more! Upon successful completion of the course, trainees receive connections to job opportunities.

Training Program, hosted by the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance

This crew training program is a way to attract younger entrants into an industry where the average fisherman’s age in Alaska is over 50. Formalized as part of ALFA’s Young Fishermen Initiative in 2015, the program aims to: 1) provide young people with an interest in pursuing a career in commercial fishing an opportunity to gain experience; and, 2) give young people the opportunity to better understand commercial fishing, the lifestyle it provides, and its important role in supporting coastal communities. All while providing a safe, well-guided, entry-level experience.

The Crew Training Program helps skippers select, prepare and safely introduce greenhorn, beginner crew to commercial fishing, while also providing resources to young people to ensure they are ready for their first professional fishing experience.

For the 2026 season, ALFA will be placing two types of deckhands after being matched and hired with our vetted skippers. The vast majority of deckhands will be on troll or longline vessels, but we may have a few seine and gillnet opportunities as well. Deckhands will be compensated for their time by skippers if hired. Rate of pay depends on independent skippers and their personal operation.