AMSEA Blog

By: Leann Cyr, Executive Director AMSEA is excited to share fantastic news for the future of commercial fishing safety in the U.S. On January 14, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services rescinded all layoffs of NIOSH employees who had been placed on administrative leave since last April due to restructuring at HHS. Critical employees in the Center for Maritime Safety and Health Studies (Commercial Fishing Program), Western States Division, and the Office of Extramur

At the beginning of November, AMSEA sent two instructors, Coral Pendell and myself, to King Cove for three days of hands-on marine safety youth training for all students at King Cove School. This trip continued AMSEA’s goal of giving young rural Alaskans meaningful, practical safety experiences that build strong habits early in life and help prevent future injuries and fatalities in outdoor and marine settings. This training was made possible by support from Karen Keck, all o

Water shapes life in Alaska, often in ways few places outside of Alaska can understand. This is especially true in rural communities such as Thorne Bay and Naukati. For example, many students boat to school or enjoy recreating on the water daily. Alaska has the highest recreational boating fatality rate in the country, with 62.8 deaths per 100,000 registered vessels, which is more than ten times the national average. Last year, 23 people lost their lives on Alaska's waters, o

We’re excited to be heading back to Seattle for Pacific Marine Expo 2025. This event is a highlight of our year, connecting with partners from across the coast. You can find us November 20 to 22 at the Lumen Field Event Center, Booth #4314 right across from the Main Stage in the Alaska Room. Stop by our booth to learn about upcoming training opportunities, and talk about all things safety at sea. This year, AMSEA Executive Director Leann Cyr, PhD, will moderate a Main Stage p

By: Romi Manela This past spring, AMSEA resumed hands-on marine safety training in Southeast Alaska’s rural schools after a COVID hiatus....

AMSEA is welcoming two new roles this fall, Rick Petersen, our new Director of Training and Suzanne Oriel, joining us for the year...