Meetings to Cover Critical Changes to Commercial Vessel Safety Requirements, March 6

Oregon Sea Grant is hosting a series of informational meetings to discuss the significant changes to commercial fishing industry safety requirements set to take effect soon. Meetings are being held in Astoria, Newport (twice), Charleston and Brookings.  US Coast Guard Commercial Fishing Vessel Coordinator Curt Farrell will discuss the critical regulation changes enacted with the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 and the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012. The Coast Guard recognizes that these documents are not always easy to decipher and wants to make sure all affected parties have an opportunity to get their questions answered.  Meetings are scheduled for two hours, but Farrell noted that he will stay as long as needed to answer everyone’s questions.  CHARLESTON: Thursday, March 6, 2014 – 10am-12noon; Charleston RV Park, 63402 Kingfisher Dr; BROOKINGS: Friday, March 7, 2014 – 10am-12noon; Harbor Water District (PUD), 98069 W. Benham Ln; NEWPORT: Thursday, April 10 – 10am-12noon; Newport Englund Marine, 880 SE Bay Blvd; For more information about these meetings, contact Ruby Moon with OSU Extension Sea Grant in Newport: ruby.moon@oregonstate.edu or 541-272-9096.