The Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Training Project Grants (T03) is a discretionary grant opportunity offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The purpose of this grant program is to enhance the safety of commercial fishermen across the United States by funding high-quality and accessible safety training programs. This initiative operates in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, reflecting a joint commitment to improving health and safety within the commercial fishing industry. A Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Coast Guard and NIOSH on May 17, 2018, formalized this collaborative approach.

The funding is designed to support the development and implementation of training and education programs for commercial fishermen. These programs must address the specific needs of the commercial fishing sector, including ensuring geographic accessibility, cultural and educational relevance, and the provision of certified instructors. Programs should align with the statutory requirements of 46 U.S.C. § 4502(i), which outlines safety standards for the industry. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with existing training programs, industry stakeholders, and relevant agencies to maximize the effectiveness and reach of their initiatives.

The program offers awards ranging from $250,000 to $975,000, with a total estimated program funding of $3,000,000. A cost-sharing or matching component is required. Up to 20 awards are expected to be issued. The grant is open to a wide variety of eligible applicants, including but not limited to state, local, and tribal governments, nonprofits, for-profits, academic institutions, housing authorities, and bona fide agents. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and faith-based or community-based organizations are also eligible to apply.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov and must include a legally binding agreement if submitted by a bona fide agent. The closing date for applications is January 31, 2028, with submissions due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on that date. The opportunity is not offered on a rolling basis, but it is recurring and part of a long-standing initiative to improve occupational health in commercial fishing. The posted date for this version of the funding notice was July 11, 2022, with the most recent update on November 28, 2022.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their proposed training will reduce injuries among commercial fishermen, provide qualified instructors, and incorporate program evaluation components. Collaboration with other safety training programs and industry partnerships is encouraged as part of the application strategy.

The primary contact for this funding opportunity is Bridgette Garrett, who can be reached at bgarrett@cdc.gov for additional information or assistance accessing the full announcement.