Allatoona log may 2013

Allatoona Log United States Coast Guard Auxiliary May, 2013 Jim Farley, FC PO Box 641 Smyrna, GA 30081 (770) 436-6824 jimfarley@att.ent

Flotilla 22

Larry Cook, VFC 1516 Brook ridge Dr Woodstock, GA 30189 (770) 591-9022 endeavourr29@att.net

Skip Yost, IPFC 5065 Meadowbrook Cir Suwanee, GA 30024 (770) 945-9284 s_yost@charter.net

Lake Allatoona, GA Vol. 47 Issue 5 Editor Bob Miller 175 Don Rich Drive Carrollton, GA 30117 (770) 214-0756 millerus@att.net

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Gulf Flyover GULF OF MEXICO, 23JUL2012: A U.S. Coast Guard HC-144 makes an ID pass over Coxswain Ralph Quinn's Auxiliary Facility "Ring Dang Doo", 081-03-07, out of Biloxi, Mississippi during an Air Drop Training Mission. Auxiliary photo by Scot Magnuson r l

In this issue:

Flotilla Staff Officers Roster

Reports Staff reports will be given at the monthly meeting. Included in these issues are some early reports.

Feature Article Deadliest Catch

Schedule of Events May, June, July, August

Lake Allatoona Elevation

Photos Flotilla Meeting Flotilla Activities

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The next Flotilla 22 Member Meeting will be on Saturday May 11, 2013 starting at 1000 at Lake Allatoona Landing Marina Clubhouse

Flotilla Commander – Jim Farley As Coast Guard Auxiliarist, we teach recreational boating safety to both our Members and to the public. It is also important that we make sure that we conduct our activities in a safe manner. I have been involved in safety from both the industrial safety aspect and from the public safety aspect. I was responsible, for several years, for the industrial safety program of a large telecommunications equipment company over the nine-state Southern Region. It was on the Public Safety side that I had someone keeping track of me and providing needed back-up when it was apparent that it was needed. I have been there, I have done that, and I have the Tee shirt. In fact, I have several of the Tee shirts.

Besides the factor of liability coverage, one reason for letting someone know that you are doing Auxiliary duties, especially when the Member is not acting under written orders, is that there is someone who knows what you are doing (or planning to do) and where you will be doing it. It is sort of like a float plan; if something happens and the Member does not show up or get back, we might have an idea of where and what to look for.

And when we have a Facility on the water under orders, even if we are just doing a little check ride, and we do not expect to be out in the far reaches of the lake, and we do not expect that anything could happen, Murphy can easily slip aboard and be an unwelcome Crew Member. That is why I have attempted to be sure that we have a Radio Watchstander on duty anytime we have a Patrol on the water. While the Coxswain can meet minimum requirements by calling Coast Guard Operations in Charleston at the beginning and end of the Patrol and at intervals as required, this is providing minimum Radio Watchstanding coverage. I don't mind arranging my schedule to cover the radios; I consider that one of my contributions to the Auxiliary and our Flotilla.

And when we are on the water, we need to make sure that we take all precautions to protect ourselves and our vessels. Some time back, in one of my writings, I talked about the Automatic Identification System (AIS). AIS is an automatic tracking system used on ships and provides information such as the vessel name, MMSI number, course heading, speed, and other information, especially on commercial vessels. In one of my earlier writings, I told of the story I read about a sailor, on a recreational sailing vessel, I believe in the New York area, who was holding close to the edge of the channel where the big ships cruise, in a pea-soup fog, when suddenly his VHF radio came alive, calling his vessel name. It was the Captain of a big ship advising that he was overtaking the sailboat and was having to hold to mid-channel and wanted to make sure the sailor was aware and would not be caught unaware by the wake. The sailor acknowledged the call, and in the story added that he would never again sail without an AIS unit.

I follow several E-Mail reflectors regarding small, blue-water capable sailboats. One couple, Ed and Ellen Zacko, bought a “kit” NorSea 27, which was essentially the hull. They finished building their dream, Entr'acte, finally retired, and for the last 10 or so years, have been sailing and visiting in the South Pacific. They wanted to sail to the Med and instead of attempting to sail thru pirate waters, opted to ship their sailboat from New Caledonia to LeHavre, France, on the CGM Matisse, and from there take rivers and canals to the Med. The Zackos boarded the Matisse in Savannah, GA and 'freightered' along with their sailboat to France. During that time, Ed Zacho had many opportunities to 'stand watch' on the bridge, thru several pretty good storms, and had some interesting comments regarding AIS. I asked if I could use his comments in this article and he granted permission. His comments that caught my attention were: “Just for the record folks --- after standing many a watch on Matisse I can tell you firsthand what our little plastic boats look like from the bridge of one of these puppies --- what they can do (very little) and what they cannot do (almost everything) to avoid us ---

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“When they are coming in your direction and you are in front of them in ANY WAY --“Know this --- 5 Miles is FAR TOO CLOSE --“Install an AIS receiver and stay far, far away. A transceiver would be a better bet.

“Ed Zacko” And then Ed followed up to me with some more thoughts: “Hi again Jim. “Here are some more thoughts on this. Hope they help someone. There is more but this will suffice.

“Ed Zacko” “If AIS does nothing else, it "identifies the vessel by name." Gone are the days of "this is sailing vessel Windsong calling the big ship at lat xxx long yyy, come in."

“It is far too many words for a deck officer to process when he is the heat of battle especially if English is his second or even third language.

“Now you just call the ship by name or MMSI number. But even then, the less said the better.

English is the common language for commercial vessels but in most cases it is the second language. We came very close to collision in great visibility because our Croatian Captain tried speaking to the Russian officer and even though they both spoke in English the Russian mis-understood and did exactly the opposite of what was requested --- sort of like the Andrea Doria.

“Are we pleasure yachts visible to these guys? In a word NO!, NO!, NO! “I stood many a watch on our ship and I can tell you that a small (40 ft) sailing boat at 5 miles range in unlimited visibility and 5ft seas is absolutely invisible. Period! She MIGHT appear on radar if you are lucky. The one I speak of here did not. He crossed in front of us and it was only just luck that we spotter her as she topped a wave just as we were looking --- She was crossing us dead ahead! Her 4 knots were no match to our 19 we were very constrained by our draft and it was a very close call.

“The best way to deal with small boats and commercial shipping is to: “1. Buy an AIS receiver --- minimum “2. Best is to install an AIS Transceiver --- then YOU appear on their screen as a target --- the same size target as the big ships.

“When you see one of these guys in any way --- alter course immediately to pass WELL ASTERN of them. Never --- for any reason whatever attempt to cross in front of them. If you guess wrong --- and you will -- they can do very little to avoid you without seriously putting themselves in danger.”

Let’s consider Ed Zacko's advice. Perhaps our Instructors will find this information worth passing on to students in the boating safely classes. Some of those folks are bound to end up on the big waters. Remember, these words

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came from someone who sails, and lives on, a little plastic boat, and who is someone who has had the opportunity to look out and look down and see just how insignificant these small craft appear from the bridge of a large ship.

While most of us in Division 2 never leave the local lakes, there are some who venture out onto the big water.

Hopefully they will take heed of Ed Zacko's advice when equipping their boats. And considering how difficult it is to see a small sailboat in rough waters, the importance of Personal Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (PEPIRB) in enabling an individual to be found is quite apparent.

On the subject of Public Education, we had to cancel our May class. We need to all work toward getting more students involved in taking these courses. I personally do not know any local area boat owners with the exception of fellow Auxiliarist. I do know that the first time I ever heard of the Auxiliary was in a notice in the local paper that the Coast Guard Auxiliary was teaching the BS&S course. Linda and I attended and most of the people in the course, if I remember correctly, learned of the course thru the newspaper. I'm recommending that our Public Education and Public Affairs Officers get together and develop a marketing strategy that utilizes the news media.

And last, let us not forget that the National Boating Safety Week (NBSW) is coming up. It starts as the Pro Wakeboard Tournament begins and runs thru the following Friday. We have a Public Affairs booth in the spectator area of the Pro Wakeboard Tournament and a Vessel Examination Blitz is scheduled at Blockhouse on the following Saturday, technically the day after the NBSW ends, but more boaters are out on a Saturday than on a Friday. Let’s all do what we can to support this effort.

I look forward to seeing each and all of you Saturday, 11 May 2013 starting at 1000.

Jim Farley, FC

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Flotilla Vice Commander – Larry Cook

As expected, the Governor signed Senate Bill 136, which goes into law on May 15th of this year. The law requires anyone born in 1998 or later, to complete a boating safety course, before they can drive a boat or personal water craft. The deadline for taking the course will be July 1, 2014, so I expect we will see an increase in the number of young people in our ABS classes. In addition, the new law, now requires anyone 13 years or younger, to wear their Life Jacket when the boat is moving, unless they are in an enclosed cabin.

Our Crew and Coxswain training and mentoring classes have resumed. If you are interested in becoming Crew or Coxswain qualified, attending these classes will get you prepared to do your QE. If you are not already signed up, please get with Arthur Silbert to get your name on the schedule and mailing list for future sessions.

For those of you who boat on Allatoona, particularly over the next week or so, I would encourage you to be extra cautious out on the water. With all the rain we are getting, the lake level is expected to rise 6 to 8 feet above normal pool. With the rising water, a lot of debris, ranging from small stuff to very large trees, can be drifting in the lake. If you do not pay close attention, you could cause serious injury to you or your passengers, or damage to your boat.

Larry Cook, FSO-VFC

Communications - Jim Farley

The weather has warmed (supposedly) and Patrols are being scheduled. This means that the Telecommunications Operators (TCO) will have to be ready to support the Patrols with Radio Watchstanding. And we will be able to train those Members who are interested in becoming TCO's.

Our annual support for the Pro Wakeboard Tournament will be operating Friday and Saturday, 17 and 18 May 2013, with Facilities and Crews on the water, TCO's in the Operations Center, and other Members at the Public Affairs (PA) Booth on the beach. This year, thanks to Dave and Nan Ellen Fuller, we have a handheld radio that can be issued to the PA Booth personnel so that they can communicate with the Patrol Commander (PATCOM) so that both sides know what is going on.

I'm looking forward to seeing each and all of you at the Flotilla Meeting, Saturday, 11 May 2013, starting at 1000.

Jim Farley, FSO-CM

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Finance – Susan Cummings Contact me if you have any questions about any expense and mail me any receipts for reimbursements.

The financial report will be given at the flotilla meeting.

Take care,

Susan Cummings, FSO-FN

Communication Services – Arthur Silbert The volume of traffic to the website dropped off a bit during April. We went from 142 visitors in March to only 113 in the April. About half of those April visitors were new to the site while the remainders were repeat visitors. One particularly interesting piece of information is that over 50% of the visitors who reached our site via a search engine were searching on the keywords “boating accidents.” This is not a search term I’ve seen hold such a prominent position in the past. The recent legislative changes in Georgia may be causing people to search on this term more often. The knowledge that the public is interested in this topic could be helpful information to have as we craft our communication to the public, both on the website and via our other outlets. My plan is to look for additional information to post on the site regarding boating accidents and prevention.

Have you visited our website lately? Be sure to check it out at: http://a0700202.wow.uscgaux.info.

Arthur Silbert, FSO-CS

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Information Systems – Donna Saunders As those of you who attended last month's meeting know, Larry Cook has put together a very comprehensive Guide for new (and questioning) members. As he gets it ready to distribute, I was thinking of the updated Member Information process that went into effect last fall.

Some of you have updated your info already, most of you have not. We distribute the address/email info at the meetings for anyone to mark changes, but you can also provide updates by using the 7028 form. This is also where you update your "Skills and Proficiencies".

I urge EVERYONE to review and update their information. Here's the link: http://itgroup.cgaux.org/documents/Online7028FormApplicationNote.pdf After you've reviewed what it is and how to use it, click on the form link and give it a try.

Be especially aware of the 'Save' instructions. They're a little strange, but clearly stated.

I look forward to seeing a lot of updates!

As always, Thank you for all that you do, and especially for what you REPORT! Donna Saunders, FSO-IS

Marine Safety and Environmental Protection – Richard Henderson After The Marine Safety and Environmental Protection report will be given at the flotilla meeting.

Richard Henderson, FSO-MS

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Materials - Hank Bozich

The Seventh District USCGAUX Materials Center (store) is now open. Their contact information is as follows: 7th DISTRICT MATERIAL CENTER D7 Material Center P.O. box 1029 Port Richey, Fl. 34673 Web site: http://d7materials.org/ Uniform Distribution Center: www.uscg.mil/uniforms/ Email; d7materialcenter@verizon.net Phone: 727-535-2593 Hours: Monday & Thursday 1000 - 1800 hours.

Remember, before anyone orders from the Seventh District Store, please check with me to see if I may have it in stock. Also, you can e-mail me and I will e-mail a list of the items our store has on hand. If anyone has any questions, you can e-mail me or call me.

We DO NOT endorse any particular vendor for uniform items. We recommend the Seventh District Store, but you may need to go to an outside vendor to buy material. If you need sew-on insignia or nametapes, use your favorite search engine to find a vendor, or visit one of these websites: http://www.uscg.mil/uniforms/ http://www.bentneedle.net/ http://www.uniformnametape.com/ (Phone 1-800-237-0011) http://www.1800nametape.com/ http://catalog.lighthouseuniform.com/coastguard/ http://stores.homestead.com/ShopAuxiliary/Categories.bok?category=Uniforms+%28All+Items%29 There are some other vendors that do not have web sites. For their phone numbers, link to: http://www.meiere.com/_CGfiles/Uniform_Web/Name_Tape.html.

Hank Bozich, FSO-MA

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Human Resources – Larry Cook Please join me in officially welcoming Jerry Sullivan to our Flotilla. Jerry received his member number on April 25th. We have one more applicant, Michael Meadows, whose application has been sent to DIRAUX for processing.

I have another 12 in various stages of the process, and hope to have some of those ready to send for approval before too much longer. The E-responder requests have slowed down over the past couple of weeks, but with warmer weather finally here, it is normal to see the slowdown.

At the last meeting, I shared with you my plans to roll out a new member guide, which I have now titled “Flotilla 22 New Member Guide”. I am still working on the final version, and hope to have some ready by our May meeting.

Larry Cook, FSO-HR

Member Training – Jim Farley I've been writing about training for the past few months and we are getting a lot accomplished between our Workshops and the Classes our Members have attended. We have one other Workshop, Diversity Training, which will probably be scheduled prior to the June Flotilla Meeting.

Our Boat Crew/Coxswain training is beginning to come together for this year, with on-shore training taking place in the Operation Center and Patrols beginning to come on-line prior to the Wakeboard Tournament.

And with Patrol activity coming up, this will be good time for those interested to become involved in training for Telecommunication Operator (TCO). TCO trainees will be practicing radio communications while the Patrols are on the water.

But there is plenty of training that the Members can accomplish on their own. See the CHDIRAUX E-Mail sent 18 January 2013 for procedures for obtaining a login and password and for accessing AUXLMS (Auxiliary Learning Management System) and AUXKB (Auxiliary KnowledgeBase). If you cannot find the CHDIRAUX EMail in your file, let me know (jimfarley@att.net) and I will forward you a copy. And the great thing is, if you are a Training Junkie, you can complete our Auxiliary courses and then take some of the Gold Side courses.

I'm looking forward to seeing each and all of you at the Flotilla Meeting, Saturday, 11 May 2013, starting at 1000.

Jim Farley, FSO-MT

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Navigations Systems – Lynn Smith

Great organization that promotes boating on Georgia’s http://www.garivers.org/gwtc.html

Water Trails.

(Jonathan, Maybe we can reach out to them to offer boating safety classes to their mailing list of boaters.)

Map of the many Georgia Water Trails (click on the link for a complete map) http://www.garivers.org/files/Water%20Trails%20Website/watertrailsmapJanuary2013.pdf

Lynn Smith, FSO-NS

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Public Affairs – Luis Cribeiro

Mr. Ron Argo and I are putting together a PR plan in order to enhance our flotilla visibility by contact the public with a systematic approach through the printed media and radio announcement. Concurrently, we are also working on the feasibility study for the Kennesaw Unit initiative. Contact has been made at the school with a very positive attitude from the school officials. Their media facilities (printed and broadcast) has been offered to us in order to promote our concept. Details will follow at a later date.

Thank You Ron Argo for your help.

Luis E Cribeiro, FSO-PA

Operations – Ross Kist

The Operations FSO report will be given at the Flotilla meeting.

Ross Kist, FSO-OP

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Program Visitor – Luis Cribeiro We are continuing working with the Marinas in order to promote Safety Boating, especially during our National Safety Week.

Luis E Cribeiro, FSO-PV

Publications – Bob Miller

Please keep The Allatoona Log in mind when you are performing any Auxilary activities or functions. We need to share this information with the Auxilary members. When you are conducting or taking part in a training classs, conducting boat inspection, conducting program visits, or any other Auxilary activity, take your camera and document the activities. If you take any pictures send them to me with: what the picture is for, who is in the picture, when the picture was taken, where the picture was taken, and who took the picture. The same applies with any article you might find that would be helpful information to publish.

Please send me your photos and any article you might find.

Bob Miller, FSO-PB

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Public Education – Jonathan J. Dawe, Ph. D. In our “About Boating Safely” Public Education course, we stress to students the importance of how what they do before they get on the water affects their safety when they are on the water operating their vessel. The majority of vessels on Lake Allatoona are powerboats, so our instructors have been emphasizing powerboat pre-departure safety checks in class. Many of the items we cover are listed in the checklist below. Our Public Education courses, when combined with complimentary Vessel Safety Checks are powerful tools to protect the boating public.

Powerboat Pre-Departure Checklist Know your boat. Before each departure, always be sure your boat is in good working condition, is properly equipped for emergencies, and that passengers are properly briefed. Avoid inconvenience and potential danger by taking a few minutes before departure to check the following:                        

Lifejackets for each person (proper size and fit, worn, fastened) Throw-able type IV flotation device, with floating line, attached to boat Fire extinguisher(s) fully charged, mounted securely Sound producing device(s) (air horn, whistle, bell) USCG approved visual distress signals (with current dates) Navigation lights Boat registration (properly displayed, certificate onboard) Proper ventilation, backfire flame arrestors installed (inboards) Drain plugs installed/sea cocks closed Marine VHF radio(s) and other equipment tested Fuel & oil sufficient for trip -1/3 Out, 1/3 Return, 1/3 Reserve Vessel loaded properly and all items secured from shifting Battery fully charged, secured, terminals clean and covered Bilge pump and backup manual bailing device(s) functional Tools/parts (spare batteries, fuses, spark plugs, belts, prop, prop nut kit) Anchors (2), each with own chain and line, one attached to boat Auxiliary propulsion (spare engine, sail, paddle, oars) Spare food, drinking water, clothing, shelter (tent or tarp) First aid and survival kits Navigation tools. GPS, compass, charts, maps, tide book Weather and sea conditions (forecast and observation) Float plan prepared, given to responsible party Passenger briefing. stability rules, proper clothing, float plan details, location of and how to use emergency equipment, how to start, stop and steer the boat, handling emergencies Thank you to all Flotilla 22 members who are active in our Public Education Program efforts. We have great safety information available. What we really need now are more students to fill our classes.

Jonathan J. Dawe, Ph.D., FSO-PE

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Secretary/Record – Karl Scheele

The minutes from the last meeting are included in this newsletter. The remainder of this month’s report will be given at this month’s flotilla meeting.

Karl Scheele, FSO-SR

Vessel Examiner – Paul Grenier

We are continuing to do boat inspections, individually and as a group. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you go out: * current vessel registration in your name * life jackets for everyone on board (children under 10 wear a life jacket at all times when the boat is moving) * cell phone * fire extinguisher * visual distress signals * horn or whistle * paddle or oar * navigation lights Also, carry identification on the water! Boat and PWC operators 16 and older are required to carry identification on board as well as the safety equipment and boat registration. Acceptable types of ID include a driver's license (or legible copy) or any government-issued ID that contains a description of the person, a photo and a birthdate. Birth certificates and traffic citations are not acceptable.

Paul Grenier, FSO-VE

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Diversity Advisor – Kim Cotter

Apologize---still out of town on deployment.

I have nothing to report for Diversity Advisor at this time. Hopefully I will be back for next month meeting.

Kim Cotter, FSO-DV

Captain of the Port – Jim Farley

The Operations Center remains available for training sessions and meetings.

I would like to give a big 'Thank You' to Larry Cook for donating and installing the extra-large whiteboard in the classroom area of the Operations Center. Now our instructors will have a place to draw their diagrams and other pictures while teaching and coaching.

I'm looking forward to seeing each and all of you at the Flotilla Meeting, Saturday, 11 May 2013, starting at 1000.

Jim Farley, COPT

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Flotilla 22 Staff Officers s

Flotilla Commander Flotilla Vice Commander Immediate Past FC Communications Communication Services Finance Human Resources Information Systems Materials Marine Safety and Environmental Protection Member Training Navigation Systems Operations Program Visitor Public Affairs Publications Public Education Secretary/Record Vessel Examiner Diversity Advisor Captain of the Port Diversity Advisor

Jim Farley, FC Larry Cook, VFC Skip Yost, IPFC Jim Farley, FSO-CM Arthur Silbert, FSO-CS Susan Cummings, FSO-FN Larry Cook, FSO-HR Donna Saunders, FSO-IS Hank Bozich, FSO-MA

jimfarley@att.net endeavourr29@att.net s_yost@charter.net jimfarley@att.net Silbert@gmail.com sbcummings@aol.com endeavourr29@att.net katyd0@bellsouth.net ohhenry2and3@gmail.com

Richard Henderson, FSO-MS Jim Farley, FSO-MT Lynn Smith, FSO-NS Ross Kist, FSO-OP Luis Cribeiro, FSO-PV Luis Cribeiro, FSO-PA Robert Miller, FSO-PB Jonathan Dawe, FSO-PE Karl Scheele, FSO-SR Paul Grenier, FSO-VE Kim Cotter, FSO-DV Jim Farley, COPT Kim Cotter, FDA

tinter@aol.com jimfarley@att.net storm77@att.net rosskist@comcast.net marist4@aol.com marist4@aol.com millerus@att.net

Lay Leader

Loren Emery

Div2vcdr@usa.com

jdawe@simmons.com serrig1979@yahoo.com cgrenier13417@comcast.net

cotkc01@yahoo.com jimfarley@att.net cotkc01@yahoo.com

Schedule of Events May, 2013 4 ABS class Roberts school 8AM- 6PM 11 Flotilla 22 meeting Lake Allatoona Landing Marina Clubhouse at 10 AM 17-18 Pro Wakeboard Tournament Lake Allatoona 25 Confirmed VE Blockhouse

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July, 2013 6 Confirmed VE 10 AM-2 PM 13 ABS class Roberts school 8AM- 6PM 20 Flotilla 22 meeting Roberts School 10am12pm 21 Confirmed VE 10 AM- 3 PM

August, 2013 3 Confirmed VE Harbor Town 10 AM- 3 PM 10 ABS class Roberts school 8 AM – 6 PM 17 Flotilla meeting Roberts School 10 AM -12 PM 31 Love the Lake Parade 31 Confirmed VE Blockhouse 10 AM – 2 PM

June, 2013 7 Flotilla 22 Staff Meeting (Tentative) 15 Flotilla 22 meeting Roberts School 10am12pm 22 Division 2 Meeting Augusta, GA

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Lake Allatoona Elevation (Source: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers <http://water.sam.usace.army.mil/allafc.htm>)

Current Lake Level/Elevation for Lake Allatoona, Georgia Updated On:

May 9, 2013

24 Hour Change:

+ 7.37 feet

Current Lake Level:

847.37 ft. MSL

Full Pool:

840.00 ft. MSL

(Lake Level Alert http://lakelevelalert.com)

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Flotilla 22 Meeting Roberts School April 20, 2013 (Photoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by Bob Miller unless noted)

Susan Cummings conducted the Annual Sexual Harassment class on April 20, 2013 at Roberts School during the April Flotilla meeting

Ron Zweben (Left) received his new memberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s card from Jim Farley

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Confirmation of Completion Letters from Jim Farley (L-R) Philip Yost Completed Auxiliary Team Coordination Training, Paul Grenier Completed Auxiliary Team Coordination Training, Adele Childress Completed Auxiliary Team Coordination Training and Aux Crewman Third Year Requalification, Henry Bozich Completed Auxiliary Team Coordination Training, and Jim Farley Completed Auxiliary Team Coordination Training

Sustained Auxiliary Service Award Presented by Jim Farley (Right) (L-) Adele Childress First 750 Hours, Larry Cook Third 750 Hours, and Luis Cribeiro Third 750 Hours

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(L-R) Luis Cribeiro Received the Auxiliary Performance Award for VSC/ RBS from Jim Farley

(L-R) Philip Yost was presented the Flotilla Commander Plaque 2011 & 2012 and Commandantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Letter of Commendation while Flotilla Commander from Jim Farley

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Featured Article

Deadliest Catch?

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by Mario on August 23, 2012 in Boating Safety,Coast Guard,SAR,Survival This is a post where I feel compelled to put the disclaimer right up front: The views and opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of the Department of Homeland Security or the United States Coast Guard.

(There – now that we’ve got that out of the way….)

Alright gang, I’ve officially had enough. While at work, a friend sent a link to a recent NPR article about how deadly commercial fishing is and where the deadliest fishing grounds really are (hint: it’s not Alaska.) Journalist Curt Nickish pit two very different ideas in opposition using two local fishing captains as champions of either side of the argument. It’s an old argument about the balance between regulation and the freedom of an industry to self-regulate. Captain Fred Mattera has figured out – from one bad experience after another – that the industry needs a change in its safety culture, and another experienced skipper (Bill Amaru) believes he knows best how to be safe out there and doesn’t need anyone telling him what to do on the water.

I picked a side and sent my friend the following response:

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If mandatory use of flotation for those working on deck was practiced (not an over-regulation – dock workers do it for goodness sake) then “America’s Most Dangerous Job” would be more correctly assigned to combat troops in Afghanistan.

In 2007 (if memory serves) there were 25 fatalities on the Bearing – 25 weren’t wearing lifejackets. If they had, being a school teacher in Houston that year would have been more deadly than being a crabber. Scallopers in New England suffer from the same problem – a culture of false machismo and a tradition of “You’re dead out here anyway” …BS. Like their Alaskan counterparts – they are their own worst enemies. Guys like Amaru who doesn’t want “the feds” inspecting his boat and has “a pretty good idea how to keep safe” exemplify the culture of “mug up” fisheries, thinking that tough means safe and that rules are for sissies. Guys like Mattera learned the hard way that tough is crap, and the culture needs to change.

I’ve been reading fisheries mishap reports and the death stats on this industry as closely as anyone – and I have been on one or two (read: more than 50, I lost count) of these vessels when tough wasn’t enough. In all that time I have never seen a single case (besides the rare non-injury medical emergency) where the cause of death couldn’t be traced back to a bad decision made by the captain before leaving the dock.

Calling fisheries of any kind “the most dangerous job” is like calling skateboarding the leading cause of wristbreaks in 12 year old boys. They are doing it to themselves – I’m not assigning the blame to the skateboard. Until fisherman develop a culture of safety that screams “I need checklists, rules, and inspections (mine or “the feds”) to be safe” they simply aren’t going to be.

It is true that fishing is a risky business, but so too the business of at-sea rescue. No one in the Coast Guard minds at all doing it – but personally, I’d be happier if the reason they (I fly a desk now) are called out to risk their lives didn’t include “professional mariners” acting like cowboys. What do I mean? – from the NPR article: “Not one of those who fell overboard and drowned was wearing a life jacket.” So many of these guys are dying because while on a pitching and rolling deck, covered in trip hazards and lines and heavy swinging overhead equipment, they aren’t willing to put on a standard work-type life jacket. “We don’t need the feds telling us what to do out here” …but they certainly call the feds to fish them out of tight spot when being a tough guy doesn’t work out.

Also true is that commercial fishing vessels suffer far more disastrous failures than other commercial vessels. They catch fire more and capsize more, they sink more, run aground more; everything that is bad out there, they do more of than anyone else. Is that just the nature of fishing, or are these things happening to them more because they are one of the least regulated and inspected commercial operation in the U.S.?

I hope Captain Mattera can change the culture in his industry, at least locally. Because this problem is one that will have to be worked out internally I think. Regulations as stringent as those imposed on other maritime operators would certainly put many fishing boats out of service forever and the Coast Guard inspections program would have to be much (much) larger. For my part, I’m not keeping quiet anymore. This has to be kept real. Deadliest Catch? Most Dangerous Job? I don’t think so – I think that the culture in their industry makes fisherman the most Dangerous Workers. Regardless of the statistics, I’m not going to give much of the blame to the job itself.

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Minutes of the April 20, 2013 Flotilla Meeting

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