If you have purchased a new VHF radio in the last three or four years it is likely that you have a red tab, and red button under the tab, that will relay a distress signal to the Coast Guard. This activates the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) feature on your VHF. The problem is, in …
Since taking my CPR/AED (cardiopulmonary resuscitation-automated external defibrillator) certification in July, I have tried to be aware of where AEDs/defibrillators are located. The intention to look for them has to be “trained-in” as they are not as readily available or as obvious as fire extinguishers. Yet should you need one, knowing its whereabouts could save …
Less than two weeks ago, a good friend that’s an inshore lobsterman called me and said “I don’t seem to be able to find or keep a crewman, so I’m going single-handed. What would you recommend for safety equipment?” I recommended a Mustang Elite auto-inflate lightweight PFD and a PLB (Personal Location Beacon) with built-in …
The following is Part 2 of a column that began in the last issue. To see Part 1, view online here, CFN May, 2015. —Editor The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 requires the Coast Guard to prescribe and develop, in cooperation with the commercial fishing industry, Alternate Safety Compliance Programs. The 2010 Act added …
SWANS ISLAND, ME – Lobsterman Jason Joyce didn’t get into selling LED lights because he was looking for a side business … he simply wanted to be able to see what he was doing when it was dark. After experimenting with numerous types of bulbs from different suppliers, Jason happen to connect with the right …
In this month’s column, and a second installment to come in our next issue, I want to address the implementation of new requirements for commercial fishing vessels established by the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 and the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012. These acts made significant changes to Chapters 45 and …
We are always looking for ways to reduce fisherman risks and ensure efficient search and rescue operations. Here are some suggestions for actions that any captain and crew can take prior to leaving the dock that could make a significant difference in the timeliness of a rescue if later needed. First, the captain could provide …
In the February 2015 issue of CFN, Fred Mattera wrote a SAFE BOAT-SMART BOAT column on inspection and maintenance. Here is a follow-up article that reviews some steps for a smooth and safe return to a new season of fishing after being being hauled out over winter, or a simply after a period of vessel …
Jan. 27, it will be eight years since the 76′ trawler Lady of Grace sank off Nantucket with her crew of four. It is a tragedy that is still easily recalled and deeply felt by those in the port of New Bedford. Following a yearlong investigation, the Coast Guard concluded that the primary cause of …
The Coast Guard First District maintains a database of incidents to which it has responded. As of Oct. 7, there were fewer commercial fishing casualties to date in 2014 than in any of the last five years – 176. That compares to the prior five years for this date when the totals have ranged from …
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