USCG warns over icing dangers in Alaska

USCG reminds commercial fishing vessel operators to be aware of the dangers of icing and vessel stability as the winter fishing season gets underway across Alaska. Operators must further develop their knowledge of stability with courses, training, workshops and visits from naval architects, US Coast Guard notes.

After multiple fatalities and complete loss of the fishing vessel ‘Destination’ occurred in the Bering Sea Feb. 11, 2017, the US Coast Guard warns vessel owners, operators and crews to give special consideration to vessel stability. USCG highlights that a vessel’s center of gravity can rapidly rise when freezing spray accumulates high above the main deck. Icing conditions exceeding 1.3 inches increase the risk of capsizing and sinking.

    “Operators should use all available resources to determine if icing and freezing spray is forecast in their location for the next 48 to 72-hour time window. If icing conditions are forecast or present, operators should seek shelter, reduce speed, change course and manually remove ice. Operators should also consider reducing the amount of bait, gear and pots onboard the vessel prior to departure,” USCG suggests.

Operators should also be vigilant about their vessel’s current Stability Instructions (SI) to the actual load condition before departing port. As USCG says, an independent review of a vessel’s loaded condition, equipment and operations can provide important insights.

They should also take advantage of other initiatives, both mandatory and voluntary, to discuss and complete a vessel’s current Stability Instructions (SI) to the actual load condition prior to departing port. An independent review of a vessel’s loaded condition, equipment and operations can often provide important insights.

Operators should confirm the accuracy of their SI whenever a vessel undergoes any of the following actions:

    Major conversions or substantial alterations,

    Changes to a vessel’s rigging, deck or fishing equipment, including pots,

    Changes in principal dimensions, cargo hold or tank capacities,

    Circumstances of weight creep, which is the accumulation of extra gear, equipment and parts carried aboard the vessel, and any other weight change variations that may occur.