Area residents can sign up now for free dockside exams for commercial fishing vessels and uninspected passenger vessels April 22-27 in Cordova.
The exams are designed to educate vessel operators and ensure vessel safety. The focus is on the safety of all crew and passengers, ensuring preparedness in emergency situations.
The Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Valdez said they wanted to remind vessel operators that all extinguishers on board require maintenance/inspections.
Non-rechargeable extinguishers require annual maintenance performed by vessel owner and require replacement after 12 years. Rechargeable extinguishers require annual maintenance by a certified/licensed individual. All extinguishers require a tamper proof seal installed and a servicing tag or inspection checklist to record the last 12 monthly inspections.
Exams in Cordova are conducted on a limited basis, so vessel owners should be prepared for their scheduled exam by reviewing applicable requirements and purchasing necessary equipment for their vessel in advance.
Find the Checklist Generator at fishsafewest.info. The application accepts input on the fishing vessel, including length, persons aboard, where it operates and more, and generates a list of requirements that apply to that specific fishing vessel. This allows owners to know exactly what Coast Guard dockside examiners will look at before the exam itself.
Mariners wishing to do their annual exam in Cordova should contact MSU Valdez examiners before April 20 at 907-795-4885. To schedule an exam, have ready preferred date and time, slip number, type of vessel, length, tonnage, name and owner contact information. For additional information on the Coast Guard commercial fishing vessel safety program in Valdez and Cordova call Petty Officer Jessica Elder at 907-795-5885.
