COMMERCIAL VESSEL SAFETY REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM
Program application period will close at midnight on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) is implementing the Commercial Vessel Safety Reimbursement Program as a part of the 2019 Mississippi Bonnet Carré Fisheries Disaster Recovery Program. The Commercial Vessel Safety Reimbursement Program is a reimbursement program for 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 will open on February 15, 2024 and close on March 20, 2024.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for this program, fishermen must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a Mississippi resident.
- Must have had a 2018-2019 or 2019-2020 Mississippi resident commercial license (license type 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 25, 47, 49, 51, 52, 53, 86, 87, 98 and associated permits).
- Safety improvements or investments must have occurred within six months of application submission.
- Previous improvements dating back to 2020 will be considered if required documentation is provided.
- Must provide evidence of purchase through detailed receipt including: business name, date of purchase, etc.
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT
- Safety equipment such as: life jackets, flares, horns, throwable flotation, fire extinguishers, first aid kits etc.
- Vessel equipment such as: bilge pumps, winch brakes, guards, synthetic winch line, emergency radios, navigation lights, deck lights, etc.
- Vessel updates: Non-skid deck paint/flooring, etc.
CONTACT US
For assistance submitting a reimbursement application, contact MDMR staff at 2019bcsafety@dmr.ms.gov or call Jason Saucier at 228-374-5000.
This program is funded by fishery resource disaster funding awarded as a result of freshwater impacts from the 2019 opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway.
