Validating Safety on Commercial Fishing Vessels

Authors

Forrest Potter Dwyer, Michael Mourkas, Heather Simone Sebastian

Sponsor

United States Coast Guard

Advisors

James P. Hanlan, Lauren M. Mathews

Term

October – December 2010

Project Outcomes

Final Report

Abstract

In 2004, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration cosigned the Memorandum of Agreement on Observer Safety. This document aims to improve the at-sea safety of National Marine Fisheries Service observers who regularly document catch on commercial fishing vessels. Through data analyses and interviews, we determined whether or not the expectations of the agreement have been met. Results of this project will potentially assist the USCG in continuing their mission of improving marine safety.