JUNEAU, Alaska – The Coast Guard Cutter Naushon terminated the voyages of two 50-foot and one 45-foot commercial fishing vessels Wednesday near Craig for safety violations.
A boarding team from the Coast Guard Cutter Naushon terminated the voyage of all three vessels between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. One of the fishing vessels was terminated due to an expired life raft, while the other two were terminated due to lack of a primary lifesaving device. Two of the vessels also had expired documentation.
Life rafts aboard commercial fishing vessels must be repacked annually and the hydrostatic release must be replaced or serviced in the required time frame depending on the type.
"Life rafts and flotation devices have made the difference between life and death many times in Alaska," Said Capt. Melissa Bert, commander Sector Juneau. "We take the requirement to have them on board seriously."
All the vessels were escorted by the Naushon to Craig. Two of the vessels are homeported in Craig while the third hails from Klawock, Alaska.
The vessels must clear the terminable offenses prior to getting underway. All three vessels were given a compliance option that may reduce or remove any potential fines provided that the vessels pass a dockside safety exam.
The 110-foot Island Class Patrol Boat Naushon is based out of Ketchikan, Alaska. They were underway conducting random commercial fishing vessel boardings in the vicinity of Prince of Wales Island.
The Coast Guard conducts random boardings to help ensure owners and operators of commercial fishing vessels maintain required safety equipment. To be better prepared for an at-sea boarding, voluntary dockside exams are available. Coast Guard personnel are available to examine safety equipment, inform the owner and/or operator of what's right and what needs to be corrected free of charge and penalty free.
For questions or to inquire about a free commercial fishing vessel safety exam contact the nearest Coast Guard Sector or Marine Safety Detachment:
Coast Guard Sector Anchorage – (907) 271-6700 Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Valdez – (907) 835-7200 Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Kodiak – (907) 486-5918 Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Kenai – (907) 283-3292 Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Unalaska – (907) 581-3466 Coast Guard Sector Juneau – (907) 463-2448 Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Ketchikan – (907) 225-4406 Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Sitka – (907) 966-5454
