SEATTLE — Coast Guard crews across the Pacific Northwest have towed 10 disabled or distressed commercial fishing vessels back to port in the first week of the Dungeness crab season which began Dec. 1.
These tow operations, along with numerous safety escorts, have ensured the safe passage of several fishing crews and more than 100,000 pounds of crab, through hazardous bar conditions.
Coast Guard crews stationed in Grays Harbor, Cape Disappointment, Coos Bay, and Chetco River, have contributed to the total of 10 tows. Other vessels have also been escorted across the bar. These safety escorts are conducted when dictated by hazardous conditions. The start of the Dungeness crab season has coincided with several bar restrictions as a result of rough conditions encountered at the bar.
When a bar restriction is in place, the operation of recreational and uninspected passenger vessels of the length specified in the restriction is PROHIBITED unless specifically authorized by the Coast Guard.
In the event that a commercial fisherman intends to cross a bar while hazardous conditions exist, the Coast Guard recommends following at a minimum the safety checklist items below and requires that commercial fisherman adhere to additional regulations while bar restrictions are in place (33 CFR 165.1196 and 165.1325).
- Check current bar conditions, weather forecasts, and tides tables
- Check bar restrictions and notify the Coast Guard if intending to cross the bar if vessel length is less than the restriction length
- DO NOT CROSS if a Captain of the Port (COTP) closure is in effect
- If crossing a restricted bar after sunset and before sunrise, commercial fisherman MUST notify the Coast Guard
- Notifications shall include:
- Vessel name
- Vessel location
- Number of persons on board
- Destination (inbound, outbound, etc.)
- Vessel limitations (steering, propulsion, etc.)
- Discuss escort options with the Coast Guard if necessary
- Complete thorough inspection of spaces and ensure all doors and hatches are secure
- Secure all loose gear on deck
- After crossing the bar:
- Account for all personnel aboard the vessel
- Report safe crossing to the Coast Guard
Commercial fisherman are required to wear personal flotation devices or immersion suits if on deck while crossing the bar during active bar restrictions. The use of a personal floatation is recommended at all times while on deck. If mariners are operating within closed spaces aboard a vessel, personal flotation devices must be readily available.
