The US government has approved an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) as part of a regulatory effort to develop amendments to United States Coast Guard commercial fishing industry vessel regulations. The ANPRM has asked Coast Guard for opinion from the commercial fishing industry to develop additional regulations.
According to the United States Coast Guard there are several areas that repeatedly lead to commercial fishing as being the country’s most hazardous occupation. They said that stability and watertight integrity issues continue to account for the majority of vessel losses. The Coast Guard also identified the maintenance of vessels as a significant issue leading to vessel losses. Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Advisory Committee has advocated the crew safety training and drills and the Coast Guard supports an expansion of current requirements.
According to the Coast Guard the proposed changes would enhance maritime safety if the authority adds new requirements for vessel stability and watertight integrity, stability training and assessments, vessel maintenance and self-examinations, immersion suits, crew preparedness, safety training, emergency preparation, safety and training personnel, safety equipment, and documentation.
