I will be in Morro Bay on Tuesday April 18th until Thursday April 20th, conducting Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety exams for vessels that may need them. My cell number is the best way to contact me. 

You may also generate a current list for the required equipment for your commercial fishing vessel by visiting:  www.fishsafewest.info


Peter Desillier
U.S. Coast Guard
Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examiner Santa Barbara, CA.
Tel: (805) 962-7430 ext. 270
Cell:(805) 979-6775
Fax: (805) 962-7968

Beginning April 1st of this year, NOAA will be placing observers on commercial fishing vessels that target Ridgeback Prawns.  Also, beginning May 1st. NOAA observers will be placed on commercial fishing vessels that target Sea Cucumbers.
 
What this means:  Commercial fishing vessels that target species identified by NOAA, that require observers be on board, MUST have a current Coast Guard Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Decal or the vessel will not be allowed to commercially fish.  This requirement is for ALL commercial fishing vessels that target the species NOAA requires observes be deployed, regardless of where that vessel operates. 
 
Reminder:  Safety decals are REQUIRED on ALL commercial fishing vessels that operate beyond three nautical miles.

Peter Desillier
U.S. Coast Guard
Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examiner Santa Barbara, CA.
Tel: (805) 962-7430 ext. 270
Cell:(805) 979-6775
Fax: (805) 962-7968

A question was recently posed to me, if a vessel's examination and safety decal remained valid if the vessel was sold or transferred to a new party.  They do not.
 
When a vessel is examined and a safety decal is issued, the activity and document are based on the vessel's documentation/registration and ownership or individual in charge of the vessel at that time.  Thus, when a vessel is sold, its identifying paperwork, required licenses, equipment registrations, and other such documents must be changed to the new owner and operator.  These changes will void the existing examination record and safety decal identification.  Therefore, anytime the Coast Guard is made, or becomes, aware of a change in ownership of a commercial fishing vessel, that vessel must be re-examined to ensure compliance with current requirements and regulations.
 
As it is stated on the exam form, "The decal is valid until the date indicated on the decal provided the vessel safety equipment remains serviceable and the operating conditions described above are not exceeded. The decal is to be removed from the vessel if the vessel is sold."
 
It is also stated on the form "This form should be kept on board your vessel so it can be shown to the Coast Guard if your vessel is boarded."
 
Please make this information available to any commercial fishermen that you may know.  As always, Please stay safe!
 
Thank you,
 
 
Peter Desillier
U.S. Coast Guard
Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examiner Santa Barbara, CA.
Tel: (805) 962-7430 ext. 270
Cell:(805) 979-6775
Fax: (805) 962-7968