by Fred Mattera – Batteries are an integral power source on fishing vessels. They provide power to the vast majority of our pilothouse electronics and are a power source for alarms and startup and shutdown systems for main engines and gensets. Be sure to install batteries so they are capable of withstanding vessel roll, pitch, …
Category: Safe Boat – Smart Boat
SAFE-BOAT SMART-BOAT: Electrical systems – Vent, ground, protect to prevent onboard fires
by Fred Mattera – Faulty or compromised electrical systems are a primary source of engine room fires. These fires are often exceedingly hot, allowing you little or no time to manually extinguish them. So, let’s talk about some steps you can take to be sure your boat’s electrical systems are properly installed, used, and maintained. …
SAFE-BOAT SMART-BOAT: Know, maintain, register your EPIRB
by Fred Mattera – EPIRB requirements apply to all commercial fishing vessels operating more than three nautical miles from the coast of the US. Vessels 36′ or greater in length must have on board a float-free, automatically activated Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB stowed where it can float free if the vessel sinks. Vessels less …
SAFE-BOAT SMART-BOAT: Using flares – Safe handling, firing, training
by Fred Mattera – I am often asked what to do with old, expired flares or if I want them. Actually, I do take and use them to conduct hands-on flare training. I also tell captains to consider keeping an expired flare kit in a container marked “for training purpose only,” distinguishing them from the vessel’s …
SAFE-BOAT SMART-BOAT: PFDs save lives – if you wear them
Recently, I read a Coast Guard report about another crewman lost at sea in a man-overboard incident. This one happened on Oct. 30 from the F/V Miss Lindsey II. The search was suspended on Oct. 31. “It’s always difficult to suspend a search,” said Lt. j.g. Marie Haywood, command duty officer at the Coast Guard …
SAFE-BOAT SMART-BOAT: Recognize the dangers of confined spaces
In the February 2009 CFN, we described sources, signs, and symptoms of invisible gas hazards in confined spaces. Now, let’s review precautions, multigas detectors, and six steps recommended to prevent fatalities. In terms of precautions, here are some practical things you can do to minimize the risk of a fatal confined space accident on your …
SAFE-BOAT SMART-BOAT: Plan your response to invisible gas hazards
In 2008, the Point Club, a mutual insurance and fishing vessel safety group of commercial fishing vessels in the Northeast, handed out free multigas detectors to all of its fishing vessel owners at its annual meeting. This was part of the club and Sunderland Marine Mutual Insurance Company’s ongoing mission to heighten and implement safety …
SAFE-BOAT SMART-BOAT: Keeping a vessel watertight depends on you
By definition, a vessel has to be watertight. Because a fishing vessel is fitted with numerous openings above and below decks, however, its watertight integrity constantly depends upon the vigilance and competence of its crew. All openings must be closed and secured unless they are actually in use and especially during threatening weather and sea …
SAFE-BOAT SMART-BOAT: Station bills – Know your job in an emergency
by Fred Mattera During a recent simulated engine room fire drill, I observed a seasoned crewman, someone who has been engaged in safety drills for the last seven years, become impetuous and anxious instead of composed and thoughtful. By doing things without serious thought, he made some simple but dangerous mistakes that, in a real-life …
SAFE-BOAT SMART-BOAT: Inspection, maintenance – Follow a schedule
by Fred Mattera – It is the responsibility of the captain and crew to inspect and maintain all vessel systems constantly. For me, a checklist was my means of tracking the maintenance schedule, so I’ve made one here to get you started. Since I no longer have a vessel to walk through and refresh my …
BOATS of the YEAR 2023
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