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Commerce in Conflict, Safety Commerce in Conflict, Safety in the Shipping Lanesin the Shipping Lanes

Timothy M. Vincent, A.M.S.®

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The Objective:

Safe and Harmonious Vessel Transit between Large Vessels and small commercial (Drift Gillnet and Purse Seine Fishing Vessels) through greater understanding and effective communications.

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North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners (Vessel Safety) Association

Non-profit organization dedicated to safety education and training for commercial mariners.Over 33,000 attendees trained for vessel safety.NPFVOA represents more than 200 vessels and 150 businesses/associates.Working with the Coast Guard to improve vessel safety for over 25 years.

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“Who are you?……..This is M/V Brown Bear……….Do you read me, over??”

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I said “HARD RIGHT”….not… “LETS FIGHT!”

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The Present Large Vessel Situation:Seattle VTS Monitors over 250,000 vessels annually.Generally comprised of large, often fast moving vessels that participate in VTS and use AIS. Equipped with ARPA.Navigating with confidence with regard to interactions with other vessels also using VTS/AIS.

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The present small commercial vessel situation:

Commercial Drift Gillnet vessel is normally manned with experienced mariners with extensive local knowledge. 2 or 1 P.O.B.Encouraged to listen in on VTS, but not required to participate in VTS or use AIS.Required by VTS Rule 10 and 15 minute rule to clear the shipping lanes.

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The Present Large Vessel Challenges: Operational stress navigating TSS from the collision threat of unknown entities. (Non VTS/AIS Participants)Fast moving ships in sometimes restricted space within the lanes and geography of Puget Sound.Blind Sectors.Language Interpretation issues.

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The present small commercial vessel challenges:Commercial Drift Gillnet vessel when net is deployed becomes a very large object in the water restricted by ability to maneuver.Limited manpower / unattended bridge at times.Rule 10 and 15 minute rule compliance under the duress of net retrieval.

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Emma MaerskWorld’s largest containership at 1320’ Length overall.110,000 Horsepower.Manned with crew of 17 persons, Pilot, Master, Bridge resource command at all times, ARPA equipped.

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F/V Lucky BuckAlso 1320’ Length overall with net deployed.440 HorsepowerManned by crew of two (sometimes one) person(s).

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HURRY UP!!!!!!!!!!!

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Options for Consideration

Small commercials participate in VTS.Small commercials use AIS (Automatic Identifier System).Small commercials use improved navigation lights/shapes (similar to tug and tow).Cellular telephone communications between entities.

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Advantages / DisadvantagesVTS communications introduces entities, reduces guesswork, stress of potential for collision. AIS/VTS Gives both sides advanced knowledge and a much greater picture of developments as they unfold.A more complete understanding of the other’s challenges promotes safety and reduces speculation.

Potential loss of proprietary information with regard to hot fishing.Possible potential to embolden fishers to stray into the lanes longer.Cost for AIS system.

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ConclusionSafety starts with positive, effective, two waycommunications!Knowledge is power.Try to see the situation from the other navigator’s point of view.Thank you VTS and USCG for a largely thankless job of promoting vessel safety.‘Tougher in Alaska’ – Salmon Fishing episode airs on History Channel Thursday May 15, 10 pm.

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The End