The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010

New requirements for commercial fishing industry vessels—Part 3.

Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by CAPT Eric Christensen, Chief, U.S. Coast Guard Office of Vessel Activities; Mr. Jack Kemerer, Chief, U.S. Coast Guard Fishing Vessel Safety Division

Classing of Vessels
The act amends 46 U.S.C. §4503 to make it applicable to fishing and fish tender vessels in addition to fish processing vessels, requiring survey and classification of a fishing vessel that is at least 50 feet in overall length, built after July 1, 2012, and operates beyond three nautical miles. It also requires the vessel to remain "in class" and have the appropriate certificates on board.

Other Provisions
Title 46 U.S.C. §4502 is amended by also adding requirements for the Coast Guard to establish a Fishing Safety Training Grants Program and a Fishing Safety Research Grant Program. The grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, and the federal share of the activities costs cannot exceed 75 percent.

Title 46 U.S.C. §4508 is amended by renaming the Commercial Fishing Safety Advisory Committee and reauthorizing it until September 30, 2020. The committee is expanded to 18 members and will continue to represent groups with expertise, knowledge, and experience regarding the commercial fishing industry.

Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/winter2010-11/

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