Cutter Bertholf arrives in Kodiak to train at North Pacific Regional Fisheries Training Center

KODIAK, Alaska – The Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, the largest most technically advanced class of cutter in the Coast Guard, moored in Kodiak Thursday in preparations for its first Alaska patrol.

While in Kodiak, the Bertholf crew is scheduled to attend fishery training at the North Pacific Regional Fishery Training Center in preparation for conducting fishery boardings and enforcing maritime regulations in the Bering Sea.

“We are excited to train the crew of the Bertholf as they embark on their first Alaskan patrol,” said Lt. Conor Sullivan, commanding officer of the NPRFTC. “They will receive training on federal fisheries enforcement, endangered species protection and commercial fishing vessel safety regulations. We will also be deploying several ship-riders to provide hands-on training and assessments while the cutter is underway.”

Other training provided by the NPRFTC will aid the crew of the Bertholf in becoming knowledgeable about international high seas drift nets and illegal unregulated unreported fishing enforcement, the maritime boundary line, Alaska fish identification as well as particular fishing vessel identification.

At 418 feet in length, speeds of up to 28 knots and a crew compliment of 108, the Legend-class cutter is capable of better sea-keeping and higher sustained speeds as well as greater endurance than legacy cutters. In addition to a helicopter deck, the vessel has a stern ramp for launching and recovering their small boat.

While in Kodiak, the Bertolf will not be open for tours but plans to host public visits at a future date.

The Bertholf is homeported in Alameda, Calif.