Safety training offered for fishermen and boaters

JUNEAU - Alaska Marine Safety Education Association will offer a 10-hour fishing vessel safety and drill conductor course in Juneau on Saturday, March 1 at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Juneau, 2760 Sherwood Lane. This course is approved by the US Coast Guard and meets the training requirements for commercial fishing vessels.

The course is open to all mariners, whether or not they fish commercially. Cost is $175 or $125 for AMSEA members. It is available free to licensed commercial fishermen thanks to funding from National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and the Coast Guard.

Mariners who know how to use onboard safety and survival equipment prior to the onset of an emergency have been proven to be effective in surviving emergencies at sea. During this training involving marine survival equipment, procedures and onboard drills, participants practice with emergency equipment that should be onboard any commercial fishing or other sizeable vessel. Those items include personal flotation devices, life rafts, immersion suits, fire extinguishers and more.

Participants will learn and practice emergency procedures regarding "man overboard," "abandon ship," fire fighting and flooding control.

Those who have already taken the course are encouraged to attend again and refresh their skills. After five years, the effectiveness of the training in reducing fatalities declines significantly.

Course space is limited. Those interested in this course or wanting additional information should contact AMSEA at 907-747-3287. There is also information available on the Web at www.amsea.org.