USCG Seeks Advisory Committee Members
The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking applications for appointment to the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee (CFIVAC). As a result of the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act of 1988, the Coast Guard established the CFIVAC to provide advice to the Coast Guard on commercial fishing safety-related issues. The CFIVAC is comprised of 17 members who serve a three-year term. Applications will be considered for five positions and will become vacant October 2001 in the following categories: Commercial Fishing Industry (two positions), General Public (one position), Education/training (one position), and Marine Insurance (one position). The committee meets at least once a year in various cities nationwide.
USCG Aims to Make Commercial Fishing Safer
Aimed at making one of the nation's most hazardous industries safer, the USCG unveiled a Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety (CFVS) Action Plan. This Action Plan was developed with extensive input from the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory Committee (CFIVAC) and incorporated recommendations generated from the Advisory Committee and from a USCG Task Force, which investigated the tragic loss of five vessels and 11 lives, earlier in the year. The Action Plan calls for several short-term actions to take place prior to the winter fishing season, as well as eight long-term initiatives aimed at institutionalizing across-the-bard safety standards. Short-term actions will increase USCG presence on fishing docks with the goal of greater face-to-face interaction between fishermen and the USCG.
