KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The Coast Guard has repositioned helicopters and crew from the Kodiak Air Station to the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea for the duration of the winter fishing season. Petty Officer Jonathan Lally says the repositioning cuts about six hours of response time by basing aircraft on St. Paul Island.
The Marine Safety Detachments in Kodiak and Unalaska recently conducted safety training with the Bering Sea crab fleet. Examiners look for overall stability. The Coast Guard reports that it’s been five years since a crab vessel was found overloaded with pots.
But there are still deficiencies. Expired safety equipment is the most common violation found during inspections. Spot checks are planned to continue in Unalaska for vessels participating in the Pollock "A" season which opens this week.
