If you’re interested in a career as a commercial fisherman, you likely have alreadyheard the news: Commercial fishing is amongst the most dangerous occupationsyou can have. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that commercial fishing is thesecond-most dangerous job in the United States, with 77.4 fatal injuries for every100,000 workers.

Looking for a more dangerous job? Try logging.

While that still doesn’t mean death is a likelihood, it does emphasize the importance of safety when working the decks.

Further, if you want to make commercial fishing your life’s work, you’re going tofind yourself responsible for the lives of others, whether as a captain or a mate overseeing greenhorns. Having all of your safety bona fides is vital to moving up the ranks, as well as staying alive.