CGF 2010 Volume: 2 Issue: 2 (May)

Commercial fishing can be a risky proposition. Especially if the weather is rough. But there’s money in the industry and enough fishermen out there who are willing to chance harsh seas for a big catch. The crew onboard the Andrea Gail, as depicted in the movie, “The Perfect Storm”, decided to brave two powerful weather fronts and a hurricane in an effort to cash in on their loot. “The fog’s just lifting. Throw off your bow line; throw off your stern,” we hear Captain Billy Tyne say in a voiceover moments before the credits roll.

More than 40 people die in the U.S. each year as a result of commercial fishing accidents. In an effort to boost safety, the Coast Guard’s Fifth District has launched an initiative called Operation Safe Catch. The program is aimed at increasing the rate of compliance with safety regulations by interacting with the commercial fishing industry to improve their risk management practices.

“Commercial fishing is a big industry and a vital industry to this area, and we’re not trying to hinder its success,” pointed out USCG Ensign Caleb Peacock of Sector North Carolina. “We’re trying to promote its success and safety.” The Fifth District’s safety and security missions span the mid-Atlantic region’s inland navigatable waterways from the middle of New Jersey to the border of North Carolina and South Carolina. Last year, from January through October, eight people died and nine vessels were lost on these waters.

The fundamental hope of Operation Safe Catch is to convey the kind of education and preparedness that saves lives. The initiative encourages commercial fishers to carry life jackets, survival craft, distress signals, radio beacons and other safety equipment. Educating mariners about the importance of sound hull condition, vessel stability and watertight integrity is also paramount.

“It’s very dangerous [out there] and things do happen,” remarked Barry Everhart, commercial fishing vessel safety examiner for Sector North Carolina.

What other measures can improve safety?

Mark Fitzgerald, Editor U.S. Coast Guard Forum This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it