On Friday, October 16, 2026, FPSS will hold its free Fishermen’s First Aid & CPR course from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DES Portuguese Club, 133 Prospect St., Gloucester. The FPSS safety team and its community health workers, called Navigators, will run the training.
“Fishermen are the first responders at sea,” FPSS says. The course goes beyond standard CPR and First Aid. It teaches the skills crews need to assess and treat an injured or sick crewmate on a fishing vessel until emergency medical help arrives. Participants earn Adult First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, which meets USCG requirements under 46 CFR 28.2.10.
Every commercial fisherman who completes the course will also get a free First Aid Kit customized for fishing vessels (one per vessel).
A lifejacket that fits the work
Falls overboard are still the second-leading cause of death in commercial fishing, both regionally and nationally. Wearing a lifejacket greatly improves the odds of surviving one, but only if it’s actually worn. At the training, fishermen can try on different styles to find one they can work in comfortably. Through a partnership with The Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety, participants are also eligible for a 50% rebate on a lifejacket of their choice.
Fishermen say it works
Past participants say the training is practical and relevant to their work. “Cemented a lot of things that I only vaguely knew. Learned a lot that I otherwise didn’t know.” shared Logan P. “Although it’s fast-paced and packed into one day, [it was] extremely informative & boosted my confidence that I could help someone in trouble,” said Henry B., a commercial fisherman who also completed the course.
Registration
The training is free. Fishermen can register at fishingpartnership.org/calendar or by contacting Fishing Partnership Navigator Maria Carpenter at mcarpenter@fishingpartnership.org or by phone/text at 774-770-5685.
Media opportunity: Reporters and photographers are invited to attend. There will be opportunities to take engaging photographs as well as time to connect directly with fishermen. Please contact Windy Jansen to arrange access.
About Fishing Partnership Support Services
Fishing Partnership Support Services is a Massachusetts-based nonprofit dedicated to improving the health, safety, and economic security of commercial fishermen, their families, and their communities. Equipping fishermen with the skills to fish more safely is fundamental to its mission.
