NOAA, National Marine Fisheries Service
Northeast Fisheries Observer
Program
Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination
Requirement As of May 1, 2006, all federally permitted fishing vessels and/or those participating in Category 1 or Category II fisheries under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) that require mandatory observer coverage will be required to successfully complete the Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination and display a current safety decal issued within the last two years. Vessels that fail to satisfy the new safety requirement will be deemed unsafe for purposes of carrying an observer onboard and will be prohibited from fishing. If the vessel fishes without correcting the safety deficiency, NOAA Fisheries Service or the U.S. Coast Guard may take enforcement action. A Deficiency List will be provided by the Examiner to the vessel, listing any failed areas. If the only item on the list is marine sanitation equipment, a waiver from the requirement to possess a valid Safety Examination sticker will be issued by NMFS to the vessel. OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION: Call today to schedule your free dockside safety examination:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For assistance,
please contact any of the below Northeast Fisheries Observer Program staff
members:
NEFSC, Fisheries Sampling Branch
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