The MV Spencer F. Baird is the largest vessel owned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Region 3.  This vessel is primarily used for stocking hatchery lake trout, but it is also capable of trawling, gillnetting and conducting hydroacoustic surveys. The Service is in the process of developing a stand alone training module for the MV Baird to address the specific and unique safety issues presented by this large, multi-purpose vessel.  Service Motorboat Operator Certification Course Instructors Adam Kowalski, Aaron Woldt, Dave Wedan, Kyle Krysiak, and Jeffery Lucas along with vessel crew Mike Perry, Bob Bergstrom, and Dave Bohn are developing the course.

Plans are for course content to include boat orientation, house keeping, fire suppression, emergency procedures, night operations, required and recommended equipment, use of visual distress signals and cracker shells, cargo handling, radio use, and safety during assessment work. Each topic will be broken down into basic boating safety sections and safety concerns specific for the MV Spencer F. Baird. This course will be mandatory for all personnel riding on the Baird during stocking and assessment work.