USCG's mandatory commercial fishing vessel safety examinations for those operating more than three miles from the territorial sea baseline take effect. This requirement, which affects commercial fishing fleets nationwide, comes as a result of Congress' passing of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010. To help fishermen come into compliance with the regulations that apply to their vessel, the Coast Guard has built an on-line commercial fishing vessel "checklist generator" available here. This tool will help owners and operators to understand their specific equipment and operational requirements and the checklist can be used to examine the vessel and prepare for the Coast Guard visit.