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The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (H.R. 1987) by a unanimous voice vote on Monday, February 1, 2016.  The Act now goes to the White House for the President's signature.  The legislation contains a provision actively sought by PSVOA, which now exempts newly constructed vessels ranging from 50-79 feet from the costly requirement of certification by classification societies.  This certification requirement was originally prescribed by the 2010 Authorization Act.  

Beginning on February 26, 2016, all commercial fishing vessels operating beyond 3 NM from shore are required to carry a Survival Craft that ensures no part of an individual is immersed in water.  The minimum Survival Craft that currently meets this requirement is either a Buoyant Apparatus or a Life Float.  Survival Craft exemption letters issued by the Coast Guard Seventeenth District (AK) that allow commercial fishing vessels to satisfy their Survival Craft requirement with a suitable "skiff" will become invalid for commercial fishing vessels operating beyond 3 NM shore from shore on February 26, 2016.  

PSVOA applauds Senator Cantwell's strong criticism of the FDA's recent decision to approve genetically engineered salmon without a requirement that the product be labeled as such.    

Rob Zuanich, PSVOA's previous executive director, offers his thoughts on seafood certification in Alaska in a recent article published in the most recent November 2015 edition of Pacific Fishing magazine.  You can access his article through the magazine's website.

The Port of Seattle is conducting a survey of the commercial fishing industry to determine how  Fishermen's Terminal can double the economic value of  Seattle's commercial fishing and maritime industry over the next 10 years.  PSVOA encourages all of its members to complete a brief survey to assist the Port of Seattle in achieving this goal.  Each participant has the chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card.

Effective October 15, 2015, the Coast Guard will implement its new regulation requiring commercial fishing vessels to undergo dockside safety examinations every 5 years.  PSVOA joins other Alaska and Northwest commercial fishing organizations in urging the Coast Guard to require a safety exam every 2 years instead of 5.  

PSVOA and Seine Vessels Reserve (SVR) will be holding its Annual Membership Meeting on Saturday, November 14, at 10:00 am, at the Homewood Suites Hotel in Lynwood, WA.  All PSVOA members are encouraged to attend.