News Release

PHILADELPHIA - The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary continue to conduct the Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Exam program for commercial fishermen along the New Jersey shore and surrounding areas. 

The CFVSE program gives commercial fishermen the opportunity to get a free, no-fault exam on their vessels in order to help improve overall safety in the commercial fishing industry and be a good information source for fishermen. 

The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary have conducted more than 150 voluntary exams this year, and they have conducted these types of exams since 2003. 

"We want to make sure these fishermen are well prepared and safe on the water," said Ensign Christopher Hooper, the lead officer for the CVFSE program at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia. "We want them to be aware and continue their livelihood. We are trying to prevent unfortunate incidents or accidents while at sea." 

When fishermen schedule a free exam, they are given the "Safety Equipment Requirements for Commercial Fishing Vessels" booklet. This booklet is a tool to assist the examiner and fishing vessel owner by providing a comprehensive listing of appropriate regulations in a simple checklist format. The booklet also lets the examiner as well as the fishing vessel owner and or operator know exactly which regulations are applicable, which regulations are complied with and whether there are any deficiencies. 

When commercial fishing vessels successfully complete a voluntary dockside examination, an examination decal will be installed by the examiner. Decals have no expiration date but are considered valid for a period of one year from the date of issue. Although decals are not required by law or regulation, their display serves as an indicator the fishing vessel has completed a satisfactory vessel dockside examination and was found to be in full compliance with all applicable federal commercial fishing vessel safety regulations. 

Reasons for dockside exams: 

Dockside exams increase the chances for a safe return.

Dockside exams reduce the length of time the Coast Guard spends on a vessel if you're boarded at sea.

Dockside exams reduce the chance of a voyage from being terminated for safety violations.

Dockside exams reduce the chances for problems being found, if a vessel is boarded by the Coast Guard.

Dockside exams are done at the fisherman's convenience.

For more information go to www.fishsafe.info 

To schedule a dockside exam please contact: 215-271-4925 or Tamra Neer, Coast Guard Auxiliary at 609-978-0528. 

Media interested in more information or conducting interviews may contact Petty Officer 1st Class Emilio Mercado at 215-271-4887 or Ensign Christopher Hooper at 215-271-4923.