USCG terminates voyage of recreational vessel near KetchikanNational Safe Boating Week in Alaska
May 23, 2013
The Station Ketchikan 25-foot Response Boat – Small crew safely escorted the 20-foot boat, with two people aboard, to Mountain Point near Ketchikan. The station crew conducted the at-sea boarding and discovered life jackets missing, an expired Alaska state boat registration and several federal subsistence Halibut fishing violations including fishing in closed waters and using excess amounts of gear. “Having a life jacket for every person aboard a boat is not only the law, but the life jacket is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment that a mariner can have in an emergency,” said Senior Chief Petty Officer Kevinn Smith, officer-in-charge, Coast Guard Station Ketchikan. “Having the proper safety gear is essential in Alaska as the maritime environment here is cold, and often remote and isolated. A mariner needs to be able to take care of themselves until we can get there to rescue them.” The fishermen will have to obtain life jackets before operating the boat again. They were met by National Marine Fisheries Service agents who will investigate and determine if a formal Notice of Violation will be issued for the Halibut subsistence violations. As the boating season in Alaska begins, the Coast Guard encourages all boaters to receive a free vessel safety check to help ensure they are prepared for boating on Alaska’s waterways. Free vessel safety checks are provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary at many locations and communities across Alaska. A recreational vessel safety check doesn't exempt mariners from at-sea boardings but it can speed the process along and help ensure any issues have already been addressed before getting underway. The Coast Guard will join the rest of the nation in observing National Safe Boating Week starting Saturday throughout Alaska to encourage safe boating practices and prevent recreational boating accidents. National Safe Boating Week is organized by the National Safe Boating Council with many partner agencies in the U.S. and Canada, including the Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power Squadrons, BoatUS, the American Canoe Association, and local groups to encourage safe boating practices and educate the public timed to coincide with Memorial Day weekend, one of the biggest recreational boating weekends of the year. The Coast Guard released its 2012 Recreational Boating Statistics Monday, revealing that boating fatalities that year totaled 651 nationwide, the lowest number of boating fatalities on record. The report states alcohol use was the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents and almost 71 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, with 84 percent of those victims were reportedly not wearing a life jacket. In Alaska there were 22 recreational boating deaths and five injuries reported in 2012. The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to boat responsibly while on the water and avoid the consumption of alcohol. The use of life jackets, emergency beacons, flares, float plans and appropriate communications devices are advised for anyone operating watercraft. To ensure compliance with boating safety requirements, Coast Guard Auxiliarists will be offering vessel safety checks and safety classes in many coastal Alaskan towns. For times and locations click here. "Alaska is a vast and beautiful area but it is wild and unpredictable as well," said Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, commander, Coast Guard 17th District. "I encourage anyone going out on the water to plan ahead, check the weather, file a float plan and wear their life jacket! Our goal is zero recreational boating fatalities in 2013."
Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews
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