Wester will assist Captain Jeff Wedekind when Chinook Shores Lodge charter sport fishing season starts June 1.

KETCHIKAN, ALASKA / May 16, 2014 – Chinook Shores Lodge, a premier Southeast Alaska fishing lodge specializing in guided charters and self-guided fishing, today announced lead dock hand Hayden Wester successfully completed Mariners Learning Systems’  OUPV/Six-pack Captain’s License coursework and United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved testing requirements.

The USCG Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV/Six-pack Captain’s License) allows Wester to carry up to six paying passengers on uninspected vessels up to 100 gross tons. These are usually smaller vessels that normally engage in charter fishing or tour cruises and limited to six paying passengers– hence the term “Six-pack.” To satisfy OUPV licensing requirements, Wester logged 360 days of documented experience in the operation of vessels, many of which were logged in and around Knudson Cove, Clover Pass and Clarence Straight sport fishing areas.

“This license represents Hayden’s long-term commitment to mastering marine navigation, weather systems, equipment and safety,” said  Chinook Shores Lodge owner and Captain Jeff Wedekind. “He has elevated his knowledge to a level that will better serve our clients’ needs and help satisfy demand for charter captains in Ketchikan, Alaska.”

Chinook Shores Lodge sport fishing fleet consists of one (1) 30′ Shamrock 270 and  five (5) aluminum 20′ North River Seahawk boats. Wester will operate the Shamrock and North River boats for clients who prefer fishing charters and day trips over self-guided fishing excursions.

“I’m always excited to return to Chinook Shores Lodge each June for the annual sport fishing season to assist clients on the dock,” said Wester. “This year I’ll be looking forward to putting my navigation and piloting skills to use while spending more time out on the water with clientele.”

About Chinook Shores Lodge Alaska Fishing Lodge, Chinook Shores, is located 15 miles north of Ketchikan International Airport in Southeast Alaska. Accommodations include private waterfront beach houses with full amenities, private dock access, self-guided fishing boats, Alaska charter fishing, quality controlled fish processing and fish packaging services. For more information, visit: www.chinookshores.com. Follow Jeff’s Blog, Facebook, Google+, Linkedin, Twitter and YouTube.

About Mariners Learning System Mariners Learning System is a leading provider of technology-based learning solutions focused towards the boating community. They’ve incorporated an intuitive learning approach that’s direct, clear, and effective. By providing a methodical, well-organized program of professionally produced, on-demand lectures, videos, and companion manuals, students are able to understand and retain what they have learned.