Last week, Ingrid Wisell, Executive Coordinator represented Tropical as she joined the rest of her Future Leaders classmates on the west coast for their second group trip, this time to Seattle, WA. While in Seattle the group attended a 4-hour "Safety at Sea" training course with Mike Heryla of NPFVOA (National Pacific Fishing Vessels Owners Association). The training session included time at a local pool during which the class wore lifesuits while simulating real-life scenarios including how to get the attention of a helicopter flying overhead, how to chain-swim as a group and how to make a floating human raft for fellow 'seamen' to rest.

After leaving the pool the group headed to Penn Cove Shellfish Company where they were welcomed by the staff at Penn Cove for a facility tour as well as a boat ride out to their farm. The class learned about farming techniques for mussels, clams and oysters and they were even invited to do a taste test of oysters on a half-shell straight out of Penn Cove Bay!

Pacific Seafood generously sponsored dinner at Ivar's restaurant at Mukilteo landing where the group ate fresh mussels from Penn Cove farm as well as other seafood delicacies.  Thank you Pacific Seafood!

The last day included a trip to Trident Seafood's Pier 91 facility where the class witnessed the making of Mahi burgers from start to finish (including yet another taste test at the end!). Ingrid greatly enjoyed her time on the west coast and thanks NFI for yet another amazing learning experience!