Alaska Marine Safety Education Association

07/25/2025

July 25 is World Drowning Prevention Day, a time to recognize how common drowning is, and how much we can do to reduce the risk.

It’s one of the top causes of death for kids ages 5 to 14. Most victims aren’t wearing life jackets. And in places like Alaska, drowning rates are over ten times the national average.

So this week, take a minute to:
- Check your gear
- Sign up for a safety class
- Keep an eye on your friends and the conditions
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07/21/2025

AMSEA is hiring a Gear Coordinator!

The gear coordinator is responsible for ordering, maintaining and shipping AMSEA’s marine safety gear to instructors nationwide. This role is critical to the success and quality of AMSEA training. AMSEA’s hands-on training provides mariners with the skills to use their marine safety equipment in an emergency. The gear coordinator researches new and emerging technology, gear that contributed to vessel disasters and rescues, different marine safety gear brands, and different distributors.

Visit our website to learn more:

At AMSEA, we’re on a mission to reduce injury and death in the marine and freshwater environment through education and training. Whether it’s leading hands-on survival skills courses, or supporting community outreach, our work makes a real difference on the water.

07/15/2025

When was your last man overboard drill?

In a real emergency, there’s no time to think things through. Running drills helps your crew stay cool and know exactly what to do. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just a regular habit. It could be what saves a life.

07/11/2025

Your donation to AMSEA supports cold-water survival and marine safety training in Alaska and across the United States.

Become a member today:
https://amsea.wufoo.com/forms/z1ddwdsh0nvdbef/

07/07/2025

The USCG released the 2024 Recreational Boating Statistics, and they’re an important reminder for boaters and safety organizations like AMSEA to stay informed about the biggest risks on the water.

Last year, there were 3,887 recreational boating incidents across the U.S., leading to 556 deaths, 2,170 injuries, and nearly $88 million in property damage.

Key takeaways from the report:

- 76% of boating deaths were due to drowning
- Of those who drowned, 87% were not wearing a life jacket
- Most fatalities happened on boats where the operator had no safety training
- Only 19% of deaths occurred when the operator had completed a boating safety course.

For Alaska:

- The boating fatality rate was 10x higher than the national average.

Wear your life jacket. Take a boating course. It could save lives.

For the full report, visit:https://www.uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2024.pdf

Photo Credit: National Safe Boating Council

07/02/2025

Taking notes from the dock cat and staying loose.

Check out AMSEA’s latest blog post on how stretching and yoga can boost health and prevent injuries for fishermen.

https://www.amsea.org/post/fishermen-yoga-a-perfect-pair

Fishing Partnership Support Services Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety - NEC NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

06/30/2025

Cholesterol levels show how your body is handling fats and can be used as an indicator for risk of heart disease and stroke.

There are two main kinds of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol), which can cause artery blockages, and high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol), which helps to remove LDL from the bloodstream.

For fishermen, diet plays a major role in managing cholesterol. A heart healthy diet is high in whole grains, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. To lower LDL and raise HDL, focus on eating more of your catch, especially fatty fish like salmon!

www.necenter.org/fishing

Fishing Forward Podcast: https://m.soundcloud.com/fishingforwardpodcast

You can also find the Fishing Forward Podcast on most major streaming apps.

Full summary report: www.necenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Summary-Report-FINAL_web-1.pdf

Fishing Partnership Support Services
Maine Lobstermen's Association
Massachusetts Lobstermen's Association
Alaska Marine Safety Education Association
Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries
Maine Coast Fishermen's Association
New England Young Fishermen's Alliance

06/30/2025

Last week, we joined Sitka Sound Science Center for their Ocean Adventure Camp. On this day, ocean adventurers tested how different materials retain heat.

As you can see, the fleece team is in slightly better spirits than the cotton team.

06/25/2025

We just wrapped up a fun and full Drill Conductor Course in Sitka.

Thank you to all the amazing fishermen and instructors who made the class a success!

06/18/2025

We can tell kids they need to wear a life jacket, but if they're not seeing that behavior modeled by the adults in their life, we won't see the change we're striving for.

Parents—be a good example to your kids. Wear a life jacket and always have a way to call or signal for help in case of an emergency. Tell your kids what it means to be "rescue ready" and why it matters so they can make safe choices for themselves, too!

06/16/2025

Just wrapped a full and successful Drill Conductor course in Naknek.

Great to see so many captains prioritizing safety training for their incoming crew. Thank you for playing your part in making this fishing season safer!

And, thank you to the U.S. Coast Guard Alaska for the support.

06/16/2025

Join us for an upcoming Drill Conductor course in AK!

June 23: Dillingham, Alaska:

https://amsea.wufoo.com/forms/m81sn3n10vornm/

June 24: Sitka, Alaska:

https://amsea.wufoo.com/forms/z10uxqzp17uiwzj/