1. Program established; experience component. By July 1, 1996, the commissioner shall establish by rule an apprentice program for entry into the lobster fishery. The program must include practical lobster fishing experience. A person must be 8 years of age or older and hold an apprentice lobster and crab fishing license or a student lobster and crab fishing license under section 6421 to enter the program.

2. Length of program. The commissioner shall determine the length of time an apprentice is enrolled in the program, which must be a minimum of 2 years.

3. Educational courses. The program may include any educational courses the commissioner determines appropriate. Educational courses may be taught by the department or by any public or private sector association or organization authorized by the commissioner. For any course taught by the department, the commissioner shall set an enrollment fee sufficient to recover all costs incurred by the department in teaching the course.

4. Allowance for waivers.

5. Prohibition. Rules adopted under this section may not require a person who has registered to enter an established island limited-entry zone program as described under section 6449 to apprentice in the zone in which the island limited-entry zone program is located.