17th District Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: Dec. 28, 2005
Contact: Larry Snyder (907) 463-2448
Tim Clepper (907) 225-4406

Public Service Announcement

Coast Guard to hold meeting, courtesy exams in Petersburg

JUNEAU, Alaska - The Coast Guard Captain of the Port for Southeast Alaska will host a town meeting in Petersburg at the city council chambers at 7 p.m. Jan. 20.

The town meeting will address participation in the courtesy dockside examination program, crab fisheries safety, and fishing vessel stability and overloading.

The Coast Guard encourages all commercial fishermen, and anyone else interested in the meeting's topics, to attend.

Coast Guard personnel will also conduct courtesy dockside exams and safety compliance checks from Feb. 6 through Feb. 12.  Safety checks are intended to look at primary life saving equipment and address any stability issues or concerns.

"Fishermen in Alaska face many dangers when out on the water including harsh weather conditions and our state's unique geography," said Rear Adm. James C. Olson, Commander Coast Guard District 17.  "While we have no control over the weather, we do have control over our preparedness.  The Coast Guard is committed to help ensure fishing vessel safety, which is why programs such as courtesy dockside examinations are so important."

Commercial crab fishermen are expected to load their fishing vessels in a manner consistent with their vessel's stability plans.  Fishing vessels without stability plans are expected to adhere to the vessel builder's recommendations for pot loading procedures.  Fishing vessels not adhering to adequate stability guidelines and found to be overloaded will be held at the dock.

Mariners can sign up for a courtesy dockside safety exam at the harbor office and Petersburg Shipwrights. 

Please contact Larry Snyder, MSO Juneau at 907-463-2448, or Tim Clepper, MSD Ketchikan 907-225-4406, regarding any questions or concerns.