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Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety (CFVS)
Program Background
During the early 1980s the Department of Labor's casualty statistics for Commercial Fisherman showed that Fishing had rapidly surpassed those of the Mining industry. Until this happened, Mining had been considered the most dangerous occupation in the country. In 1988 congress passed the Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Act (CFVISA, P.L. 100-424). This act created most of the requirements for a three-tier system of boats.
- All Vessels
- Documented vessels outside the Boundary Line or operating with more than 16 people on board.
- New Vessels
Additionally, the Coast Guard was given the responsibility of writing and enforcing regulations that met the requirements of the law. The Coast Guard decided to use a two-part program. This program relies on public education including the Voluntary Dockside Exam,and enforcement including at-sea boardings, which may result in fines if regulations are not followed.
Sector Northern New England has primary responsibility for executing the public education and Dockside Exam portions of the program in the states of Maine and New Hampshire. We not only provide valuable information and assistance regarding Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety, but also provide the dockside examination service to owners and operators of fishing vessels. The Voluntary Dockside Exam can assist you in determining your operational and safety equipment needs, and in complying with federal regulations. This is a free service with no obligations and no penalties. There are a variety of people here at the SNNE that can answer most of your Marine and Safety related questions. This includes one person dedicated to full time interaction with the Commercial Fishing community.
Contact us for a free dockside safety exam:
| Exams South: | Exams North: |
|---|---|
| Mr. Kevin Plowman (Seabrook NH - Rockland ME) Office: (207) 780-3256 Fax: (207) 741-5477 Cell: (207) 899-6278 |
Mr. Garry Moores |
Links
- Safety Alerts are issued by Coast Guard Sector Northern New England. They are lessons learned from marine casualties.
- Fact Sheets are issued by Coast Guard Sector Northern New England. They are published to assist the public in understanding and complying with Federal Requirements or 'good marine practices' for commercial fishing vessels.
- USCG Headquarters
- USCG First District