SEATTLE – The Coast Guard, in association with Oregon Sea Grant, is scheduled to conduct a Marine Safety and Survival course for commercial fishermen March 5 and 6 in Newport, Ore.
The fee for the workshop is $20 and upon completion participants will receive certification to conduct emergency drills aboard commercial fishing vessels.
“This is required training for documented commercial fishing vessels that operate beyond the boundary line,” said Curt Farrell, Coast Guard Fishing Vessel Safety Coordinator for Oregon and Southwest Washington.
Participants will practice with emergency equipment required aboard most commercial fishing vessels, which include; personal flotation devices, life rafts, immersion suits, distress signals, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon and fire extinguishers. Emergency procedures, such as overboard retrieval, abandoning ship, fire fighting and flooding control will also be taught through onboard emergency drills and practical demonstrations.
Mariners who have already taken the course are encouraged to attend again to refresh their skills. A study by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) determined that after five years, the effectiveness of training in reducing fatalities declines significantly.
To register or for more information, contact Patty Mann with Oregon Sea Grant Extension Office at 541-574-6534.
