About Us
The SENY Commercial Fishing Safety and Offshore Wind Training Program offers free safety certifications and job placement opportunities for New York commercial fishermen who wish to strengthen safety at sea and have the option to work on the water when they are not fishing over the next year. Led by Sea Education New York in collaboration with Sea Services North America, Ørsted, and SUNY Maritime College, the program delivers U.S. Coast Guard–approved STCW training, offshore wind project–specific training, and offshore wind market readiness training, financial support during training, and placement opportunities for guard vessel work on projects such as Sunrise Wind. This initiative supports fishermen in improving safety in their fishing and in earning supplemental income when not fishing.
Shifting regulatory priorities at the federal level mean that the window is limited. There are only two projects scheduled for completion in the next 1.5 years, and the future of offshore wind beyond that is uncertain. The window to capture this opportunity is narrow.
Our Story
Sea Education New York (SENY) was built on the foundation of Sea Services North America, an award-winning co-op of fishermen by fishermen, representing over 170 fishermen across 7 states. SSNA has trained and placed active commercial fishermen on offshore wind, research, and other support vessels, delivering over $18 million in income to fishing communities while maintaining a perfect safety record, no gear strikes, across more than 10,000 nautical miles of scouting.
With changing regulations, shrinking catch volumes, and long-term uncertainty in the commercial fishing industry, New York fishermen are looking for ways to strengthen their safety at sea and secure supplemental income when they are not fishing. The SENY Commercial Fishing Safety and Offshore Wind Training Program provides a clear path to do both, enhancing their skills for fishing safety and readiness, and creating opportunities for paid vessel work during off-season or between trips.
By building upon SSNA’s proven infrastructure with SENY’s enhanced local mission, this training initiative ensures that any interested New York commercial fishermen are prioritized for training and placement opportunities. It’s about supporting those who have built their lives on the water, keeping them working, connected to their fishing roots, and positioned to benefit from vessel opportunities in offshore wind.
Provide structured training and safety certifications at no cost.
Support commercial fishermen facing declining catch income and job instability.
Deliver clean energy workforce pipelines that serve both people and the planet.
Connect traditional maritime talent with modern clean energy infrastructure.