Fred started this program about 9 years ago, following 4 decades as a commercial fisherman.
Our guest speaker today was Fred Mattera, President of the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation where he is in charge of an apprenticeship program for aspiring commercial fishermen.
Fred began with a recounting of the perils that commercial fishermen face in their line of work and the importance of proper training so that students can avoid many of the dangers. He has experienced, and helped rescue fellow fisherman from a variety of situations, including on-board fires, traumatic injuries, sinkings and, most tragically, an incident when several men were overcome by hydrogen sulfide fumes.
The apprenticeship program is as much oriented towards fishing as navigation, seamanship, handling heavy tackle and lines, man-overboard and fire drills, all practiced in real time demonstrations and not simulations or videos. The rigorous 4 week program is competitive with 16 students accepted out of a field of about 200, many of which are highly qualified women. Some fortunately realize that they are not suited for this kind of work but a high percentage complete the apprenticeship. Each trainee is provided with $350 worth of equipment and a $25/day stipend along with a food allowance and on-board snacks. The funding is provided by the RI Department of Labor and Training. The most challenging part can be finding housing during the training period and trainees will often share a rental to make ends meet.
The most important attribute a trainee can bring is not their prior fishing skills, seamanship or swimming proficiency but rather a work ethic that reflects a willingness to work long, difficult hours, with focus and little to no distractions from computers & cell phones. Fred has been successful in obtaining positions on vessels along the entire Eastern seaboard for his graduates. The audience left with a new-found appreciation for the rigors and skills required to be a successful commercial fisherman.
