Crewmember Licensing

Rule-making status: Permanent
Rule-making reference: #P2021-12

Summary of proposed rule

WDFW proposed to add a new section to Washington Administration Code (WAC) 220-351-Commercial Fisheries- Permits/licensing. This rule making proposed to allow four unspecified commercial crewmember licenses instead of the current allowance (of two) which can be held by a commercial fishing license holder for specific fishing licenses.

Scope and rationale for proposed rule

Large fishing vessels often have four or more crewmembers on board in order to safely operate and need to replace crewmembers during the fishing season. The proposed rule would provide flexibility to a commercial license holder to rotate crewmembers on larger vessels during the season.

Public comments

The comment period has closed as of June 28, 2022.
To view comments submitted for this proposal, please visit the Crewmember Licenses public engagement page.

Date of adoption: July 15, 2022

Public hearing

June 24, 2022 at 12:25 pm - Webinar
Watch the recording on TVW

September 2022
  • August 12, 2022

    CR-103 Notice of Adoption Filed

    The rule becomes effective 31 days after filing.

  • July 15, 2022

    Fish and Wildlife Commission Decision

    The FWC adopted the rule by a unanimous decision.

  • June 23-25, 2022

    Fish and Wildlife Commission Briefing and Public Hearing

    Verbal public testimony was accepted at this time.

  • March 23, 2022

    CR-102 Rule Proposal Filed

    Public comment was accepted during a comment period at this time.

  • September 1, 2021

    CR-101 Rule Preproposal Notice Filed

October 2021

For more information

Staff contact: Kirt.Hughes@dfw.wa.gov

Assistance for additional accessibility and persons with disabilities contact:
833-885-1012, TTY (711), or CivilRightsTeam@dfw.wa.gov.