Safety Pointers Shared

One of the most challenging PQSs (performance qualification system) in the Marine Safety Program is that of commercial fishing vessel examiner (CFVE).

CFVE is a Coast Guard qualification, not an Auxiliary version. As commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations, it stands to reason that the men and women who examine these vessels for compliance with various safety regulations must be among the Auxiliary’s best.

Below is a fishing vessel safety program success story submitted by Robert G. Garrott, Fifth District, Fishing Vessel Safety Coordinator. It concerns two Auxiliary CFVEs in Division 7, D5-NR, Herb Hoeger and Aldo Guerino. The story speaks for itself.

Here is a fishing vessel safety program success story.

The CHICO BRAVO was boarded 11/23/2004 by Station Manasquan and cited for personal flotation devices (PFD), survival craft, emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), ring life buoy and fire extinguishing equipment deficiencies; this is the first boarding recorded in MISLE for this vessel.

Because of a referral by station personnel to MSO Philadelphia examiners, the operator requested and received a dockside examination on 12/14/2004, resulting in issuance of a safety decal.

The vessel, with two persons on board, sank about 30 nautical miles east of Atlantic City under adverse weather conditions. Information is preliminary, but first notification to the Coast Guard apparently came from activation of the EPIRB. The crewmembers were safely recovered from the survival craft.

The safety equipment apparently did what it was supposed to in this incident, but that may not have been the case without the efforts of BM3 James Aiken and the boarding team at STA Manasquan and the prompt follow-up by Auxiliary Examiners Herb Hoeger and Aldo Guerino of MSO Philadelphia.

Very Respectfully,
Robert G. (Bob) Garrott
Fifth District Fishing Vessel Safety Coordinator
Portsmouth, Virginia

What does it take to become a CFVE?

More than all else it requires commitment. Skills can be trained, not so dedication and commitment. In talking to examiners from all over the country it becomes obvious that these Auxiliarists are interested in saving lives by ensuring that one of the most dangerous of occupations puts to sea in vessels safe enough to bring them home.

They inspect vessels on the captains and/or owners schedules. Often an examiner or coordinator will get a call for an exam from a captain who advises that they are currently “packing out” and will be in port for the next 4 hours – can someone come over? “The fact that it’s January, 7° F, with a 30 knot NE wind, doesn’t enter into it,” said CFVE Auxiliarist Herb Hoeger.

These men and women need to have good people skills – commercial captains have a very keen sense of their duties and responsibilities and do not do well with anyone who they perceive to be less than knowledgeable in their field. They are slow to allow you on their vessel and wary of your intentions while there. The best examiners are always welcome in the fishing communities because they’ve demonstrated their knowledge and commitment to being sure these captains and their crews will get home when the going gets rough.

The Chico Bravo is but one story of many in the day to day operations by our Commercial Fishing Vessel Examiners. “Fifth Northern is well proud of Herb and Aldo, and we are always looking for a few more good men and women for this program,” said Lee Kehr, DCO D5-NR.

If you think you have the drive and determination for it, please talk to your Flotilla or Division Marine Safety Staff Officer (FSO or SO-MS). If necessary, contact the local ADSO-MS CFIVS. We welcome everyday heroes.

Lyn A. Thomas, DSO-MS 5NR