Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program
S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, Columbia, SC, United States
The South Carolina Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program
May 4 – 29, 2026
CSAP is a one-month, paid job training program based in McClellanville, South Carolina, and apprentices can come from anywhere in South Carolina and beyond.
The program offers classroom-based and on-the-job training that provides the knowledge and skills needed to start a career in commercial fishing or mariculture (e.g., growing oysters or clams). After the month-long training is complete, participants will get help finding a full-time entry-level job with a local company.
The program topics include safety training, seamanship, and navigation; boat and gear operation and maintenance; fisheries science, management, and engagement; and seafood business and marketing. As part of the program, trainees will get multiple days at sea to gain hands‑on experience with commercial fishing and mariculture.
The South Carolina Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program is designed in partnership with Clemson University, and offered by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium in collaboration with commercial fishing operations and mariculture growers in McClellanville, South Carolina.
Here’s what a 2024 graduate had to say about CSAP:
“Angela and Jocelyn and the whole team were just incredible and very supportive. I think this is something I’m going to remember for the rest of my life, and hopefully apply to my career here soon.”
Bekah Bennett,
Hilton Head, S.C.
You can apply for the Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program if you meet the following criteria:
Age 18+
Have a driver’s license and reliable form of transportation
Can pass background check and drug test
Are willing to commit to the full month‑long program
Most importantly, interested in making a career in commercial fishing and/or mariculture
What Do You Get?
A month‑long training program (Monday‑Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Housing is available on a first come first served basis
On‑the‑job hands‑on training at sea split between commercial fishing and mariculture
All course materials and needed safety gear (boots, weather gear, gloves)
CPR, First Aid, and automated external defibrillator certification; a U.S. Coast Guard Drill Conductor certification; and a certificate of completion from the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium
Upon full completion of month‑long course, you will receive $1,400 ($10/hr, 35 hours per week, 4 weeks) and help finding an entry‑level job at a local South Carolina commercial fishing or mariculture business
Is This Right for You?
Do not get seasick or motion sick
Have been on the water with seas greater than 3 feet
Have worked hard, physical jobs
Have experience being on boats
Are able to work outside in bad weather
Enjoy being part of a team
Can lift at least 50 lbs.
Are dependable and have a reliable vehicle
Have a driver’s license
Do not have any injuries or physical issues that would make this job hard or dangerous
Do not mind if your schedule changes or you have to work odd or long hours
Are okay with being away from home/land for extended periods of time
Do not mind getting dirty and smelling of fish and rancid smells
Are financially responsible and able to make sure your taxes get filed
Are comfortable getting your own health insurance coverage
Get to Know our Instructors!
Hear from the commercial fishermen, watermen, and seafood industry experts who drive this program and learn more about what it takes to have a successful career in the S.C. commercial seafood industry.
Learn about the South Carolina Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program in these videos featuring the 2024 CSAP cohort, instructors, and commercial watermen.
Join the 2025 cohort of commercial seafood apprentices as they farm clams with Pete Kornack, owner of Cape Island Clam Farm and CSAP instructor.
CSAP Funding
This program is being funded by the NOAA National Sea Grant Office and the USDA Rural Business Development Grant Program.
Sponsors
CSAP is sponsored by the S.C. Farm Bureau, the S.C. Dept of Agriculture, and the S.C. Agricultural Society.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
May 4 – 29, 2026
CSAP is a one-month, paid job training program based in McClellanville, South Carolina, and apprentices can come from anywhere in South Carolina and beyond.
The program offers classroom-based and on-the-job training that provides the knowledge and skills needed to start a career in commercial fishing or mariculture (e.g., growing oysters or clams). After the month-long training is complete, participants will get help finding a full-time entry-level job with a local company.
The program topics include safety training, seamanship, and navigation; boat and gear operation and maintenance; fisheries science, management, and engagement; and seafood business and marketing. As part of the program, trainees will get multiple days at sea to gain hands‑on experience with commercial fishing and mariculture.
The South Carolina Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program is designed in partnership with Clemson University, and offered by the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium in collaboration with commercial fishing operations and mariculture growers in McClellanville, South Carolina.
Here’s what a 2024 graduate had to say about CSAP:
“Angela and Jocelyn and the whole team were just incredible and very supportive. I think this is something I’m going to remember for the rest of my life, and hopefully apply to my career here soon.”
Bekah Bennett,
Hilton Head, S.C.
You can apply for the Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program if you meet the following criteria:
Age 18+
Have a driver’s license and reliable form of transportation
Can pass background check and drug test
Are willing to commit to the full month‑long program
Most importantly, interested in making a career in commercial fishing and/or mariculture
What Do You Get?
A month‑long training program (Monday‑Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Housing is available on a first come first served basis
On‑the‑job hands‑on training at sea split between commercial fishing and mariculture
All course materials and needed safety gear (boots, weather gear, gloves)
CPR, First Aid, and automated external defibrillator certification; a U.S. Coast Guard Drill Conductor certification; and a certificate of completion from the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium
Upon full completion of month‑long course, you will receive $1,400 ($10/hr, 35 hours per week, 4 weeks) and help finding an entry‑level job at a local South Carolina commercial fishing or mariculture business
Is This Right for You?
Do not get seasick or motion sick
Have been on the water with seas greater than 3 feet
Have worked hard, physical jobs
Have experience being on boats
Are able to work outside in bad weather
Enjoy being part of a team
Can lift at least 50 lbs.
Are dependable and have a reliable vehicle
Have a driver’s license
Do not have any injuries or physical issues that would make this job hard or dangerous
Do not mind if your schedule changes or you have to work odd or long hours
Are okay with being away from home/land for extended periods of time
Do not mind getting dirty and smelling of fish and rancid smells
Are financially responsible and able to make sure your taxes get filed
Are comfortable getting your own health insurance coverage
Get to Know our Instructors!
Hear from the commercial fishermen, watermen, and seafood industry experts who drive this program and learn more about what it takes to have a successful career in the S.C. commercial seafood industry.
Learn about the South Carolina Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program in these videos featuring the 2024 CSAP cohort, instructors, and commercial watermen.
Join the 2025 cohort of commercial seafood apprentices as they farm clams with Pete Kornack, owner of Cape Island Clam Farm and CSAP instructor.
CSAP Funding
This program is being funded by the NOAA National Sea Grant Office and the USDA Rural Business Development Grant Program.
Sponsors
CSAP is sponsored by the S.C. Farm Bureau, the S.C. Dept of Agriculture, and the S.C. Agricultural Society.
#J-18808-Ljbffr