Pre-Trip Vessel Safefy Checklist

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 valid through XX/XX/20XX

Vessel name

01/01/21

Trip ID

Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Fisheries Sampling Branch

PRE TRIP VESSEL SAFETY CHECKLIST (PTVSC)
For each safety item shade
in the appropriate box.
Y = yes, N = no, NR = not required

Hull number
Date landed (MM/DD/YYYY)

/
Y

N

/

NR
Vessel Orientation

It is MANDATORY that all safety items on board a fishing vessel
that are highlighted in BOLD print be current (not expired) in
order for an observer to deploy on a trip.
Please comment on any safety or stability related issues in the
provided spaces on the back of the PTVSC

Current USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination Decal
*Required for all vessels carrying an observer on board
Safety Decal Number
Expiration
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
*Required for all vessels operating beyond 3 miles
Hydrostatic release service expiration
Battery expiration
(MM/YY)

(MM/YY)

(MM/YY)

Does the alphanumeric code (UIN) on the NOAA SARSAT decal match the UIN code on EPIRB?
Is the EPIRB registered to the vessel or vessel owner? Expiration

(MM/YY)

Life raft(s)
*Not required for vessels within 12 mi. of coast, ≤ 3 people and length <36’.
Hydrostatic release service expiration
Raft service (repack) expiration

(MM/YY)
(MM/YY)

Capacity
Is the life raft configured correctly? See back of sheet for figure of the hydrostatic release
Immersion suits and personal flotation devices
*PFDs are required to be worn by the observer while out on deck
Are there enough for everyone on board? Keep yours easily accessible.
Life rings
Vessels <26’ = cushion, >26’ = 1 life ring buoy, >65’ = 3 life ring buoys
Fire extinguishers
*Not required for vessels <26’ with outboard motor(s) and portable fuel tanks
Emergency signaling flares *Check expiration dates
<3mi. = night light and smoke or 3 day/night flares; >3mi. = 3 parachute, 6 hand held, 3 smoke
First aid material
Radio(s)
Were there any stability concerns/issues, either because of behavior or vessel design, during this
trip? *See back of sheet for examples. If yes, please comment.
Did you provide any additional comments?

┌

The following is a suggested list of examples that you should
check or consider while doing a vessel walk through. They are
listed here to assist you in determining the relative safety of a
particular vessel. A more comprehensive list is detailed in the
program manual.

Note potentially hazardous areas/conditions (e.g.
winches, overhead wires, rusted or worn shackles and
blocks, combustible items, exposed exhaust
pipes/manifolds, drive chains, pulleys or belts)

Visualize egress routes for all possible emergency
scenarios (fire, flooding, dark, capsizing) and mentally
note landmarks

Is the life raft and EPRIB located in a float free area?
Would you be able to access these items if conditions
were icy or the wheelhouse was on fire?

Is there a station bill posted and is your role clear during
all shipboard emergencies?

Discuss with the captain if safety drills are conducted on
this vessel? (May include fire, flooding, abandon ship,
etc.) Will one be conducted when you are on board?
The following are examples of things to consider related to the
vessel design or fishing practices which may compromise vessel
stability.

Note the roll period of the vessel (quick, snappy roll is
more stable than a slow or sluggish roll)

Does the vessel list excessively?

Do the fishing practices involve a pattern of towing heavy
bags or dumping the catch to one side of the vessel?

Safety Comments

Stability comments

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CHECKED YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY EQUIPMENT?
Check the appropriate box for the method that was used to verify EPIRB expiration dates:
I visually inspected the EPIRB; Record EVIC information below if one was issued
EVIC number
Date issued
(MM/YY)
I used a previously issued EVIC; Record EVIC information below
EVIC number
Date issued

(MM/YY)

I used approved USCG documentation that was issued within the last 90 days (comments & expiration dates required)
Signature

Date