24-13-CWS | March 15, 2024
BILOXI, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) is closing the application period for the Commercial Vessel Safety Program at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2024. The closure of the application period is necessary to allow MDMR staff to evaluate current applications and determine if sufficient funds are available to continue the program to possibly reopen in the future.
The MDMR Commercial Vessel Safety Program is a reimbursement program for Mississippi resident commercial fishermen who held a valid commercial fishing license in the 2019 calendar year and voluntarily install additional safety equipment on their vessels to protect themselves and their crew. Investments in equipment that will make a fisherman’s business resilient to future disasters may also qualify for reimbursement. Safety upgrades and investments may be reimbursed up to $2,000 per qualifying fisherman.
The application period opened February 15, 2024. Applications must be completed online. The application and additional program information can be found by visiting dmr.ms.gov/ms-commercial-vessel-safety-program/.
For assistance submitting a reimbursement application, contact MDMR staff at 2019bcsafety@dmr.ms.gov or call (228)374-5000.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at dmr.ms.gov.
