NTSB to Host Fishing Vessel Safety Forum
The National Transportation Safety Board will hold a forum on fishing vessel safety beginning Oct. 13, 2010. The two-day forum will be chaired by NTSB Board Member Robert Sumwalt.
"In 2009, commercial fishing had the highest fatal work injury rate of all occupations in the United States," Sumwalt said. "Creating a safer environment and eliminating hazardous conditions on the high seas is one of the goals of the NTSB. The forum will provide a great opportunity to identify strategies to improve safety."
NTSB has addressed safety in the commercial fishing industry through a safety study, issued in 1987, and in more than 150 safety recommendations issued since 1970 as a result of fishing vessel accidents. NTSB's safety study addressed licensing requirements for masters and crewmembers, minimum standards for vessel stability, requirements for basic safety equipment, alcohol and drug use in commercial fishing vessel operations, and oversight of fishing vessel safety.
The forum is intended to identify safety issues in the commercial fishing industry--from both industry and government perspectives--and to identify strategies for preventing accidents and reducing the industry's high rate of injuries and fatalities. The panel topics will include:
- Problem identification and progress made in fishing vessel safety;
- Vessel related issues impacting safety;
- Fisheries management practices and impacts on safety;
- Lifesaving equipment;
- Training of crew members; and
- Perspective of fishermen on safety.
Panelists participating in the forum will include representatives of the commercial fishing industry, safety equipment manufacturers, marine safety trainers, classification societies, marine surveyors, and federal agencies involved with the industry.
"I'm very much looking forward to hearing from the panelists," Sumwalt said. "This forum will not only be informative and engaging, but will also advance safety for those in the commercial fishing industry."
The public can view the forum in person or by live webcast on NTSB's website. An agenda and webcast details will be posted on the board's website when available at www.ntsb.gov/Events/forum_fishing_vessel_safety/forum_fishingvessel_safety.htm.