Code of Maine Rules › 13 - DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES › 188 - MARINE RESOURCES - GENERAL › Chapter 25 - LOBSTER AND CRAB REGULATIONS › Section 188-25-96 - Lobster Apprentice Program

Current through 2024-29, July 17, 2024
Apprentice program for entry into the lobster
				  fishery
A. To become eligible
				for a class I, II, or III lobster and crab fishing license under
12 M.R.S.A. §
										6421, the applicant must meet the
				  requirements of the apprentice program under Chapter 25.96.
B.
Apprentice Program
. The
				program is initiated with the first documented calendar day of a fishing hour
				under an apprentice license or student license. The program is completed upon
				presentation to the Commissioner of acceptable validated log sheets documenting
				at least the minimum of 1,000 fishing hours that is accumulated over a minimum
				of 200 calendar days, during a minimum of 24 months. If an individual completes
				the program in multiple zones, individuals will still be required to document
				at least the minimum of 1,000 fishing hours that is accumulated over a minimum
				of 200 calendar days in each desired zone. The minimum of the 24-month
				requirement is met 24 months from the date the individual logs their first day
				in the apprenticeship program.
(1)
Educational courses
. The Department has the option of developing
				courses, which may be required in addition to the practical lobster fishing
				experience. The program may include any educational courses the Commissioner
				determines appropriate. Educational courses may be taught by the Department or
				by any public or private sector association or organization authorized by the
				Commissioner. For any course taught by the Department, the Commissioner shall
				set an enrollment fee sufficient to recover all costs incurred by the
				Department in teaching the course. See Chapter 25.96(B)(1)(a) below.
(a)
Safety Education Course
Apprentice fishermen must successfully complete a United
				  States Coast Guard approved Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor Training course.
				  Contact information for such courses may be obtained through the US Coast
				  Guard, Sector Northern New England, Prevention Department, Commercial Fishing
				  Vessel Safety Program, telephone: (207) 780-3256.
To meet the educational requirements of this rule, the USCG
				  approved training course must include:
Abandoning the vessel;
Fire Fighting on board a vessel;
Recovering an individual from the water;
Minimizing the effects of unintentional flooding;
Launching survival craft;
Donning immersion suits and personal flotation devices; and
				  Making a voice radio distress call and using visual distress signals.
(b)
Safety Education Course
				Documentation
(i) Except as provided by
				paragraphs ii, iii, iv and v, an individual issued an apprentice or student
				license in accordance with 12 M.R.S.A. §
												6421 (3-A)(D) and (E), must document
				to the Department completion of the Education Course prior to issuance of their
				Class I, II or III lobster and crab fishing license.
(ii) Individuals who are authorized as new
				zone entrants in accordance with §
												6448(7) as of
				February 1, 2007 and purchase a Class I, II or III license are required to
				document completion of the Education Course prior to license renewal.
(iii) Individuals who are authorized as new
				zone entrants and who are issued a 2007 Class I, II or III license pursuant to
				12 M.R.S.A. §
												6448(8)(A) are
				required to document completion of the Education Course prior to license
				renewal.
(iv) All individuals who
				are on a zone waiting list on February 1, 2007 are required to document
				completion of the Education Course within one year (by February 1, 2008).
				Failure to comply will result in removal from the waiting list on February 1,
				2008. Individuals shall be reinstated at the bottom of the waiting list
				following documentation to the Department that they have completed the
				Education Course.
(v) The following
				individuals would be exempt from having to meet the requirements of this
				section:
1. Persons holding a valid merchant
				mariner's license issued by the Coast Guard authorizing service as master of
				uninspected fishing industry vessels and who show proof of experience that
				relates directly to the contingencies listed in 64 CFR 28.270(a) (2006)
				including--
(i) Experience as an instructor;
				or
(ii) Training received in
				instructional methods; or
2. Persons holding a valid merchant mariner's
				license issued by the Coast Guard authorizing service as a master of inspected
				vessels of 100 gross tons or more and who show proof of experience that relates
				directly to the contingencies listed in 46 CFR 28.270(a) (2006) including--
(i) Experience as an instructor; or
(ii) they have received training in
				instructional methods.
3.
				Persons who are new zone entrants that hold a commercial lobster license and
				are changing zones pursuant to 12 M.R.S.A. §
													6448(7).