An Overview of USCG Requirements for Commercial Fishing Vessels

The United States Coast Guard has instituted a number of requirements for commercial fishing vessels operating in national waters. These rules are intended to protect the safety of crew and passengers aboard, prevent property damage, reduce environmental impact, and reduce the likelihood of a maritime accident.

Many regulations are based on the size and scope of a vessel. For instance, safety equipment requirements vary, depending on the vessel size and whether the boat will travel on inland waters versus the high seas.

Below are some of the most pertinent USCG requirements for commercial fishing vessels. This includes several of the newest regulations placed on the industry:

Mandatory Dockside Safety Exams – The majority of commercial fishing vessels will be required to complete a dockside safety examination by Oct. 15, 2015. This applies for vessels that operate three or more nautical miles offshore.

All commercial fishing vessels must carry USCG-required safety equipment. Basic equipment requirements include:

• personal flotation devices (one appropriately sized device per person aboard);
• survival craft (otherwise known as a lifeboat or life raft);
• EPIRB;
• fire extinguishers;
• visual distress signal; and
• high-water alarm.

Vessels are subject to on-sea boarding by USCG boats or other law enforcement. Those vessels not in compliance with USCG safety equipment standards will be in violation and subject to fines. The USCG offers a “Checklist Generator” to allow operators to determine what safety equipment is required for their vessels.

Oil Spill Response Plans – Commercial fishing vessels of 400 or more gross tons that operate on U.S. navigable waters must submit an oil spill response plan. The deadline for submittal is Jan. 30, 2014.

Serviceable Condition of Safety Equipment – All USCG-required onboard safety equipment must be kept in serviceable condition. This includes all personal flotation devices and other lifesaving equipment. Equipment with visible signs of wear and tear or that has been compromised in any manner should no longer be used.

Personnel Requirements – All those who have control over a commercial fishing vessel must provide proof of training or be able to demonstrate knowledge and competency in the tasks associated with the position. All onboard officers – required to be aboard per federal regulations – must be U.S. citizens. Note: A self-propelled vessel of 200 or more gross tons must have a licensed master aboard.

Marine Sanitation Devices – A vessel may not discharge untreated sewage within three nautical miles of the shore. This must be prevented by closing the seacock and securing it in place. A vessel may not discharge untreated or treated sewage in a posted or otherwise designated No Discharge Zone.

Documentation – New USCG regulations dictate vessel operators or owners maintain records of equipment maintenance. Such individuals also must maintain records of safety instruction and drills. This applies to those vessels that operate more than three nautical miles from shore.

Learn what other onboard records you must keep in order to remain compliant with USCG regulations. Download our free Logbook Quick Reference Guide to determine your vessel logbook needs. Order your logbooks online or call 888-468-3757.