Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by Mr. Matthew Hooper, USCG Marine Safety Transportation Specialist.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary was established by Congress in 1939 and today is comprised of nearly 30,000 members. These men and women volunteer more than two million hours annually.
Auxilarists perform hundreds of commercial fishing vessel safety exams annually. Nationwide, approximately 25 percent of all exams are performed by auxiliary examiners.
Prospective examiners may attend a week-long training course, must complete a “personal qualification standard,” and pass an oral and practical examination to demonstrate the appropriate knowledge. Once qualified, auxiliary commercial fishing vessel examiners join the ranks of those who work diligently to improve fishing vessel safety.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/winter2010-11/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
A discussion forum on Marine Safety, Recreational Boating Safety, and waterways managment as we work together to protect maritime commerce and mobility, the marine environment, and safety of life at sea.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Online Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Information
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by ENS Amy Downton, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve
The official United States Coast Guard Fishing Vessel Safety Division homepage is unrestricted and open to the public.
Homeport Helpful Hints
For navigating around the United States Coast Guard Homeport portal:
Users may also sign up for USCG text message alerts.
How to Register for a Homeport Account
1. From the Homeport homepage click the “register” link in the upper-right corner of the screen.
2. Read the list of requirements, then click “ok.”
3. If you meet the requirements, complete the Homeport registry form.
4. If you wish to receive USCG alerts by SMS/text messaging, check the box.
5. Select “primary Captain of the Port zone” from the drop-down menu.
6. To add one or more COTP zones, check the box or see “adding other COTP zones to the registration form.”
7. If applicable, select a value under “committees.” For the Safety Advisory Committee, enter your title, role, and associated subcommittee.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/winter2010-11/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
The official United States Coast Guard Fishing Vessel Safety Division homepage is unrestricted and open to the public.
Homeport Helpful Hints
For navigating around the United States Coast Guard Homeport portal:
- Missions—information about the U.S. Coast Guard’s efforts in marine safety, marine security, and environmental protection.
- Port Directory—public information directory for each U.S. Coast Guard port area.
- Library—U.S. Coast Guard marine safety, marine security, and environmental protection regulations, policy, forms, and publications.
Users may also sign up for USCG text message alerts.
How to Register for a Homeport Account
1. From the Homeport homepage click the “register” link in the upper-right corner of the screen.
2. Read the list of requirements, then click “ok.”
3. If you meet the requirements, complete the Homeport registry form.
4. If you wish to receive USCG alerts by SMS/text messaging, check the box.
5. Select “primary Captain of the Port zone” from the drop-down menu.
6. To add one or more COTP zones, check the box or see “adding other COTP zones to the registration form.”
7. If applicable, select a value under “committees.” For the Safety Advisory Committee, enter your title, role, and associated subcommittee.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/winter2010-11/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
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/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
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/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010
New requirements for commercial fishing industry vessels—Part 2.
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
Examinations and Certificates of Compliance
Dockside safety examinations at least once every two years are now mandatory for vessels operating beyond three nautical miles. Voluntary exams will continue to be promoted for vessels operating inside three nautical miles.
Individuals authorized to enforce Title 46 may remove a certificate from a vessel operating in a condition that does not comply with the provisions of the certificate. And, if the vessel does not have the required certificate on board, or if the vessel is being operated in an unsafe condition, it may be ordered to return to a mooring and remain there until the certificate is issued/reissued or the condition is corrected.
Training for Operators
A new provision applicable to vessels operating beyond three nautical miles requires individuals in charge of the vessel to pass a training program covering, among other things, seamanship, navigation, stability, fire fighting, damage control, safety and survival, and emergency drills. Refresher training is required every five years.
Construction Standards for Smaller Vessels
Vessels built after January 1, 2010 and less than 50 feet overall in length must be constructed in a manner that provides a level of safety equivalent to the standards for recreational vessels established under 46 U.S.C. §4302. Note: “overall in length” means the horizontal distance of the hull between the foremost part of the stem and the aftermost part of the stern excluding fittings and attachments. This is different from “registered length.”
Loadlines
The act amends 46 U.S.C. §5102(b) making assignment of a loadline a requirement on fishing vessels 79 feet or greater in length that are built after July 1, 2012. Further, fishing vessels built on or before July 1, 2012 that undergo a substantial change to the dimension of or type of vessel completed after July 1, 2012, or a later date set by the Coast Guard, must comply with an alternate loadline compliance program.
The list continues in part 3.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/winter2010-11/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
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
Examinations and Certificates of Compliance
Dockside safety examinations at least once every two years are now mandatory for vessels operating beyond three nautical miles. Voluntary exams will continue to be promoted for vessels operating inside three nautical miles.
Individuals authorized to enforce Title 46 may remove a certificate from a vessel operating in a condition that does not comply with the provisions of the certificate. And, if the vessel does not have the required certificate on board, or if the vessel is being operated in an unsafe condition, it may be ordered to return to a mooring and remain there until the certificate is issued/reissued or the condition is corrected.
Training for Operators
A new provision applicable to vessels operating beyond three nautical miles requires individuals in charge of the vessel to pass a training program covering, among other things, seamanship, navigation, stability, fire fighting, damage control, safety and survival, and emergency drills. Refresher training is required every five years.
Construction Standards for Smaller Vessels
Vessels built after January 1, 2010 and less than 50 feet overall in length must be constructed in a manner that provides a level of safety equivalent to the standards for recreational vessels established under 46 U.S.C. §4302. Note: “overall in length” means the horizontal distance of the hull between the foremost part of the stem and the aftermost part of the stern excluding fittings and attachments. This is different from “registered length.”
Loadlines
The act amends 46 U.S.C. §5102(b) making assignment of a loadline a requirement on fishing vessels 79 feet or greater in length that are built after July 1, 2012. Further, fishing vessels built on or before July 1, 2012 that undergo a substantial change to the dimension of or type of vessel completed after July 1, 2012, or a later date set by the Coast Guard, must comply with an alternate loadline compliance program.
The list continues in part 3.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/winter2010-11/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010
New requirements for commercial fishing industry vessels—Part 1.
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
Parity for All Vessels
Uniform safety standards are established for all vessels, particularly those operating beyond three nautical miles of the baseline of the territorial sea and coastline of the Great Lakes. In Title 46 U.S.C. §4502(b)(1) “documented” is deleted, so there will no longer be different standards for federally documented and state-registered vessels operating on the same waters.
Replacing Boundary Line with Three Nautical Miles
Title 46 U.S.C. §4502(b)(1)(A) is amended by replacing “Boundary Line” with “three nautical miles from the baseline from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured or three nautical miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes.”
Survival Craft
All fishing industry vessels operating beyond three nautical miles are required to carry survival craft that will meet a new performance standard for primary lifesaving equipment. Title 46 U.S.C. §4502(b)(2)(B) is amended by replacing “lifeboats or liferafts” with “a survival craft that ensures that no part of an individual is immersed in water.”
Records
A new provision requires that the individual in charge of a vessel operating beyond three nautical miles maintain a safety logbook—a record of equipment maintenance and required instruction and drills.
The list continues in part 2.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/winter2010-11/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
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
Parity for All Vessels
Uniform safety standards are established for all vessels, particularly those operating beyond three nautical miles of the baseline of the territorial sea and coastline of the Great Lakes. In Title 46 U.S.C. §4502(b)(1) “documented” is deleted, so there will no longer be different standards for federally documented and state-registered vessels operating on the same waters.
Replacing Boundary Line with Three Nautical Miles
Title 46 U.S.C. §4502(b)(1)(A) is amended by replacing “Boundary Line” with “three nautical miles from the baseline from which the territorial sea of the United States is measured or three nautical miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes.”
Survival Craft
All fishing industry vessels operating beyond three nautical miles are required to carry survival craft that will meet a new performance standard for primary lifesaving equipment. Title 46 U.S.C. §4502(b)(2)(B) is amended by replacing “lifeboats or liferafts” with “a survival craft that ensures that no part of an individual is immersed in water.”
Records
A new provision requires that the individual in charge of a vessel operating beyond three nautical miles maintain a safety logbook—a record of equipment maintenance and required instruction and drills.
The list continues in part 2.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/winter2010-11/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Champion’s Point of View
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by RADM Kevin S. Cook, U.S. Coast Guard Director of Prevention Policy
The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 was four years in the making and contains provisions that will expand the Coast Guard’s authority and involvement with commercial fishing vessels. Among its provisions, it requires fishing vessels operating more than three nautical miles beyond the baseline to be examined at least once every two years.
Up until now, the Coast Guard’s Fishing Vessel Safety Program has relied on voluntary dockside exams. Much of our effort involved conducting outreach and convincing fishing vessel owners to accept a safety exam.
But with implementation of the Authorization Act, fishing vessel owners now will have to seek out examiners.
Our aim is to reduce the number of fishing vessel casualties and fatalities. We do not want the commercial fishing industry to continue to be the most hazardous occupation in the country.
Join me in making prevention of casualties on commercial fishing vessels a priority and a reality.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/winter2010-11/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 was four years in the making and contains provisions that will expand the Coast Guard’s authority and involvement with commercial fishing vessels. Among its provisions, it requires fishing vessels operating more than three nautical miles beyond the baseline to be examined at least once every two years.
Up until now, the Coast Guard’s Fishing Vessel Safety Program has relied on voluntary dockside exams. Much of our effort involved conducting outreach and convincing fishing vessel owners to accept a safety exam.
But with implementation of the Authorization Act, fishing vessel owners now will have to seek out examiners.
Our aim is to reduce the number of fishing vessel casualties and fatalities. We do not want the commercial fishing industry to continue to be the most hazardous occupation in the country.
Join me in making prevention of casualties on commercial fishing vessels a priority and a reality.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/winter2010-11/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The Assistant Commandant’s Perspective
Excerpt from U.S. Coast Guard Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council magazine by RADM Paul Zukunft, U.S. Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship.
A recent Department of Labor finding indicates that the fatal injury rate for fishers and fishing-related workers, at 200 per 100,000, is the highest of any occupation. That number stands in sharp contrast to the fatal injury rate for all workers at 3.3 per 100,000, and necessitates a call for action. The Coast Guard 2010 Authorization Act provides one additional vehicle to improve fishing vessel safety.
The following blog posts include a summary of the fishing vessel safety provisions in the Authorization Act, which notes their impact on the industry and outlines tentative plans for implementation. Although many of the articles in the Proceedings fishing vessel safety issue were written before the Coast Guard Authorization Act was signed, the information is still timely, relevant, and vital to addressing fishing vessel safety issues.
Let’s make it our goal in the next commercial fishing safety edition to celebrate a significant decrease in commercial fishermen injured or lost in their profession.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/winter2010-11/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.
A recent Department of Labor finding indicates that the fatal injury rate for fishers and fishing-related workers, at 200 per 100,000, is the highest of any occupation. That number stands in sharp contrast to the fatal injury rate for all workers at 3.3 per 100,000, and necessitates a call for action. The Coast Guard 2010 Authorization Act provides one additional vehicle to improve fishing vessel safety.
The following blog posts include a summary of the fishing vessel safety provisions in the Authorization Act, which notes their impact on the industry and outlines tentative plans for implementation. Although many of the articles in the Proceedings fishing vessel safety issue were written before the Coast Guard Authorization Act was signed, the information is still timely, relevant, and vital to addressing fishing vessel safety issues.
Let’s make it our goal in the next commercial fishing safety edition to celebrate a significant decrease in commercial fishermen injured or lost in their profession.
Full article is available at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/winter2010-11/
Subscribe online at http://www.uscg.mil/proceedings/subscribe.asp.