Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Training Project Grants (T03)
About
The goal of the training grant program is to enhance the quality and availability of safety training for United States commercial fishermen. Availability includes the frequency, geographic considerations, channels or partners of dissemination, culturally and/or educational appropriate training material, and other characteristics of a successful training program. As a result, the Coast Guard and NIOSH invite applications to support the development and implementation of training and education programs that: develop and deliver training which addresses the needs of commercial fishermen in the United States provide qualified marine safety instructors, or otherwise accepted by the National Maritime Center instructors and faculty to conduct the training evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the training program on reducing injuries among fishermen coordinate with existing training programs and partnerships with industry fishermen, and agencies conform to 46 U. S. C. § 4502 (i) Safety Standards for commercial fishing safety training In order to support and administer the grant program, the Coast Guard and NIOSH signed a Memorandum of Understanding on May 17, 2018. While the Coast Guard, along with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), provides regulatory oversight for safety and health matters within the commercial fishing industry, NIOSH is an agency operating under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the mission of generating new knowledg.
The Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Training Project Grants (T03) is a federal initiative developed through a partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to enhance safety training availability for commercial fishermen nationwide. This grant program supports organizations in developing, delivering, and evaluating occupational safety training programs that address the specific needs of U.S. commercial fishing workers. Eligible applicants include independent school districts, public housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, regional organizations, and bona fide agents designated by states. The program funds the creation of qualified marine safety instructors, development of culturally and educationally appropriate training materials, program implementation, effectiveness evaluation, and coordination with existing industry partnerships. Organizations should apply if they have expertise in commercial fishing safety, instructional capacity, and the ability to reach fishing communities. This grant directly supports the reduction of injuries and fatalities in one of America's most hazardous occupational sectors, making it essential for organizations committed to worker safety and public health.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
January 31, 2028
Award Amount
$250K - $975K
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
$250K - $975K
Deadline
2028-01-31
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Organizations developing occupational safety training for commercial fishing industry workers, including schools, tribal organizations, community-based organizations, and regional training providers
Eligibility
Independent School Districts Public Housing Authorities/Indian Housing Authorities Native American Tribal Organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Faith-based or Community-based Organizations Regional Organizations Bona Fide Agents: a Bona Fide Agent is an agency/organization identified by the state as eligible to submit an application under the state eligibility in lieu
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Training Project Grants (T03)?
Eligible applicants include independent school districts, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, regional organizations, and bona fide agents identified by states as eligible to submit applications. For complete and current eligibility requirements, visit the official Coast Guard or NIOSH grant website.
How much funding does Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Training Project Grants (T03) provide?
Grant awards range from $250,000 to $975,000. The specific amount awarded may vary based on project scope, organizational capacity, and program needs. Check the official grant announcement for details on current funding cycles.
How do I apply for Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Training Project Grants (T03)?
Applications are typically submitted through the federal grants portal or the Coast Guard's designated application system. Your application should demonstrate your organization's capacity to develop and deliver safety training, qualifications of instructors, evaluation methods for measuring program impact, and coordination with existing industry partnerships. Visit the official Coast Guard or NIOSH website for specific application procedures, required documentation, and submission deadlines for the current funding cycle.
What can Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Training Project Grants (T03) funding be used for?
Funding supports the development and delivery of occupational safety training programs for commercial fishermen, recruitment and training of qualified marine safety instructors, creation of culturally and educationally appropriate training materials, program implementation across multiple geographic areas and channels, evaluation of training effectiveness in reducing injuries, and coordination with existing industry training programs and partnerships. All programs must conform to 46 U.S.C. § 4502 safety standards for commercial fishing.
Last updated: July 5, 2026