Ensuring safe returns from the sea this holiday season

BOSTON — As the holiday season draws near, people are drawn to family and food to celebrate this festive time of year. And with the Feast of Seven Fishes comes the need for fresh seafood for tables and restaurants around the New England area.

As local fishermen take to the sea, Coast Guard personnel work diligently to prevent tragedies from occurring during the rush to bring a catch to market. As seafood prices spike, Coast Guard personnel work to ensure safety corners are not cut.

The Coast Guard is responsible for inspecting the commercial fishing fleet not only for catch and species limits, personnel also ensure commercial fishing boats have the mandated safety equipment on board. Equipment such as flares, life rafts, cold-water immersion suites and emergency satellite radio beacons. This equipment helps mariners that are in trouble notify the Coast Guard or other fishing vessels of their distress. Safety equipment allows the fishermen in distress to relay their location and nature of distress to rescue personnel.

Put simply, this safety equipment helps the mariner stay alive until help can arrive. And when the fishing is on Georges Bank or off the coast of northern Maine, every minute counts.

During this busy time of year, weather and temperatures can be unpredictable. Coast Guard personnel are on the seas ensuring fishermen have the proper safety equipment on board so that everyone might return safely from the sea to their families. The greatest gift anyone can give their family is their safe return.

Coast Guard personnel are available to speak regarding the importance of fishing vessel safety at our Gloucester, Mass., Coast Guard station. Please call Chief Petty Officer Jeff Hall for more information at (617) 504-9274.