Onboard Drill Instructor

Coast Guard-Accepted Onboard Drill Instructor Training in Seattle

NPFVOA's Onboard Drill Instructor course is an 8-hour, 1-day training program that qualifies vessel personnel to conduct Coast Guard-required monthly emergency drills aboard commercial vessels. USCG-accepted for 46 CFR 28.270, this certification is essential for meeting federal safety requirements and ensuring crew preparedness for emergencies at sea. Held at Seattle Fishermen's Terminal, this practical training serves commercial fishing vessels, workboats, and small passenger vessels throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Your certification is valid for 5 years. Regulatory Compliance: This course is USCG-accepted for 46 CFR 28.270 requirements.

Who Should Take This Course?

This Onboard Drill Instructor certification is required for: ✓ Vessel captains and masters responsible for crew training ✓ Mates and officers designated to conduct emergency drills ✓ Commercial fishing vessel crew leaders ✓ Small passenger vessel operators ✓ Workboat and research vessel personnel ✓ Any shipboard personnel responsible for monthly safety drills Coast Guard requirement: A minimum of one certified drill instructor is required onboard vessels subject to 46 CFR 28.270. Need onboard training? We also offer Onboard Drill Instructor training at your vessel location for larger crews.

What's Covered in the 8-Hour Course

This comprehensive 1-day course prepares you to effectively lead and document emergency drills aboard your vessel:

Conducting Coast Guard-Required Monthly Drills

• Procedures for all required emergency drill types
• Abandoning ship procedures and liferaft deployment
• Fire emergency response and firefighting drills
• Man overboard recovery procedures
• Damage control and flooding response
• Survival suit donning and use

Effective Safety Training Techniques

• Running meaningful safety orientations for new crew
• Creating realistic drill scenarios
• Engaging crew participation and building muscle memory
• Adapting drills to vessel-specific conditions

Documentation and Compliance

• Proper record-keeping requirements
• Completing drill logs and documentation
• Meeting Coast Guard inspection standards
• Maintaining certification records

Drill Evaluation and Improvement

• Importance of debriefing all drills
• Identifying areas for improvement
• Building a culture of safety aboard your vessel

Training Location & Course Details

Where: NPFVOA facility at Seattle Fishermen's Terminal 

Duration: 1 full day (8 hours)

Certification validity: 5 years from completion date

Accessible from: Tacoma, Everett, Bellingham, Edmonds, Bremerton, Port Angeles, Juneau, and throughout Puget Sound and Alaska

What you'll need: Upon registration, we'll provide a complete list of required documentation and any materials you should bring to class. Contact us with questions about course requirements.

Upon Course Completion

Successfully completing the Onboard Drill Instructor course qualifies you to:

• Conduct all Coast Guard-required monthly emergency drills
• Lead safety orientations for new crew members
• Properly document drill activities and compliance
• Meet the minimum drill instructor requirement for your vessel

You'll receive a USCG-accepted Onboard Drill Instructor certificate valid for 5 years. Remember to renew your certification before it expires to maintain compliance with Coast Guard regulations.

Onboard Drill Instructor Training Options

Training at your location: We can bring the course directly to your vessel or facility, allowing your entire crew to train together in their actual working environment.

Save with NPFVOA membership! Members save $25 on this course. Learn about membership benefits.