~ News and Announcements ~

•  NOAA Buoy 46022 Back in Service

Buoy 46022 is back in service! Thank you to National Data Buoy Center and the United States Coast Guard for repairing Buoy 46022. Having this buoy back in service is a tremendous relief to all mariners along our coast. REMINDER: Buoy 46022 has a watch circle radius of 888 yards. Please maintain a safe distance from all buoys and report any damage immediately to National Data Buoy Center or to your local Harbor Safety Committee.

•  Visibility Issues

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Department has begun their annual campaign to remind all vessels about the use of high power lights. California law states "All floodlights or headlights, which may interfere with the proper navigation of an approaching vessel, shall be so shielded that the lights will not blind the pilot of such vessel." (Section 6695 (a) Title 14, CCR)

•  West Coast Commercial Crab Season

The commercial Dungeness crab season has begun along the entire west coast. Mariners are reminded to use caution when transitting near the coast.

•  New Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Requirements

On 15 October 2010, the President signed into law new safety statutes for the nation's commercial fishing fleet. The new laws build on the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act of 1988, and significantly affect the CFVS Program. The new laws change Chapter 45 and 51, Title 46, U.S. Code and 46 CFR Part 28. All changes are anticipated to be enforced as of 15 October 2012. When implemented, these changes are expected to help make commercial fishing safer.
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