NEW ORLEANS — The 8th Coast Guard District is working to increase safety awareness and enforce safety regulations aboard commercial fishing vessels.
In an effort to reduce onboard injuries, fatalities, and falls overboard, the Coast Guard will be conducting safety boardings over the next four weeks and encouraging early participation in the dockside exam and safety decal program, which becomes mandatory on October 15, 2015. All commercial fishing vessels that operate more than three nautical miles offshore will require a safety decal.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, The Gulf of Mexico commercial fishing industry is the second most dangerous occupation in the country with over 75 fatalities per 100,000 workers.
To make an appointment for a commercial fishing vessel exam, please contact Philip K. Hand (985-788-8974), fishing vessel examiner New Orleans; Paul D. Barnard (985-397-3276), fishing vessel examiner Houma; or Harry J. March (337-852-1220), fishing vessel examiner Morgan City.