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2024-25 Conservation Harvesting Plan - NAFO Division 4R and Sub-Division 3Pn: Groundfish Fixed and Mobile Gear
Vessels less than 27.4 metres (90ft.)

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1. Eligibility

Participation in the directed fixed and mobile gear groundfish fisheries will be restricted to groundfish licence holders with a homeport in NAFO Division 4R, Sub-Division 3Pn, and those with overlap privileges with a homeport in NAFO Division 2J or Sub-Division 3Ps.

2. Fishing areas

This Conservation Harvesting Plan (CHP) governs the directed fishery for all vessels less than 27.4 meters (90’) in length regardless of homeport, fishing groundfish in NAFO Division 4R and/or Sub-Division 3Pn for the management cycle which runs from May 15 to May 14 annually. The management cycle for the Atlantic halibut fishery in Sub-Division 3Pn runs from April 1 to March 31 annually.

3. Fishing restrictions

  1. This CHP applies to the following species and specific areas when using fixed gear:
    • American plaice – NAFO Division 4R
    • Atlantic halibut – NAFO Divisions 4RST and Sub-Division 3Pn
    • Greenland halibut – NAFO Divisions 4RST
    • Skate / Monkfish – NAFO Division 4R
    • White hake – NAFO Sub-Division 3Pn
    • Winter flounder (Blackback) – NAFO Division 4R
  2. This CHP applies to the following species and specific areas when using mobile gear:
    • Redfish – Unit 1
    • Witch Flounder (Greysole) – NAFO Division 4R
  3. A “fishing trip” is defined as starting from the time the vessel leaves port and ending when it returns to port for any reason, whether or not any fish has been caught.
  4. The retention or possession of Atlantic halibut (dead or alive) is not permitted, unless harvesters are otherwise authorized to retain.
  5. In the context of the 4R3Pn (NL) and 4S (PQ) fixed gear fleets operating under the regional sharing arrangement, 4R3Pn-based fishers WILL BE permitted to fish in NAFO Division 4S waters during the period that NAFO Division 4S is closed to the Quebec Region fishers. A vice versa application will apply for the 4S-based fishers fishing in NAFO Division 4R and Sub-Division 3Pn.
  6. Should a licence holder choose to fish in NAFO Division 4S or 4T for a species authorized by licence conditions, they must first contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO) area office in Corner Brook at 709-637-2325 regarding any additional fishing restrictions.

Fixed gear

3.1 American Plaice

  1. Fishing will be authorized only in areas where the by-catch of cod has been historically low and where traditional fishing has occurred. The authorized areas in NAFO Division 4R are:
    • Cape Ray to Johnson’s Cove
    • Fischell’s to Shoal Point (Bay St. George)
    • Shag Island to Cape St. Gregory
    • Cape St. Gregory to Green Point
    • Green Point to Point Riche
    • Point Riche to Ferolle Point
    • Unfortunate Cove Point (Big Brook) to Cape Bauld
  2. With the exception as noted in item iii below, fishing is only authorized in water depths greater than 45.7 m (25 fathoms).
  3. In that portion of NAFO Sub-Division 4Rd from a line drawn due west of Cape Ray north to a line drawn due west of Johnson’s Cove, fishing will be permitted only in water depths between a minimum of 36.6 m (20 fathoms) to a maximum of 73.2 m (40 fathoms).
  4. While directing in NAFO Division 4R, all Atlantic halibut (dead or alive) that is caught shall be immediately returned to the water from which it was taken and, where it is alive, in a manner that causes it least harm.

3.2 Atlantic Halibut

  1. Restrictions related to the 4RST Atlantic halibut fishery are outlined in the “Atlantic Halibut Sustainability Plan- Divisions 4RST” (AHSP). The AHSP was introduced in 2013 by the Fisheries Science Stewardship and Sustainability Board (FSSSB) in collaboration with DFO, the Fish Food and Allied Workers’ Union (FFAW/Unifor) and the Fish Harvesters’ Resource Centre (FHRC). If you wish to request a copy of the AHSP, please contact the FSSSB at 709-634-7382.
  2. Prior to the start of the fishing season, a licence holder must choose to participate in either the NAFO Division 4R Atlantic halibut fishery or the NAFO Sub-Division 3Pn Atlantic halibut fishery. Licence holders will not be permitted to participate in both. Additional details are outlined in the AHSP.

3.3 Greenland Halibut (turbot)

  1. In NAFO Division 4R, fishing is only authorized in water depths greater than 256 m (140 fathoms).
  2. Fish harvesters shall not set, or reset, groundfish gillnet fishing gear during the period of 8 hours prior to the announced closure of the fishery. However, they may retrieve fishing gear during this period.

All licence holders who wish to participate in the NAFO Division 4R Greenland halibut fishery must submit an AHSP and NAFO Division 4R Greenland halibut Application. Further details and additional restrictions related to the 4RST Greenland halibut fishery are outlined in the AHSP.

3.4 Skate/Monkfish

  1. Fishing will be authorized only in areas where the by-catch of cod has been historically low and where traditional fishing has occurred. The authorized areas in NAFO Division 4R are:
    • Outside the 125 fathoms water depth
      • 4Rd: Cape Ray to Cape St. George
      • 4Rc: Cape St. George to Long Point (Bell Buoy)
      • 4Rc: Long Point (Bell Buoy) to Bluff Head
      • 4Rc: Bluff Head to Cape St. Gregory
      • 4Rb: Cape St. Gregory to the 50 degree line N (near Parson’s Pond)
    • Inside the 125 fathoms water depths
      • 4Rd: Cape Ray to Cape St. George
      • 4Rc: Cape St. George to Long Point (Bell Buoy)
      • 4Rc: Long Point (Bell Buoy) to Bluff Head
      • 4Rc: Bluff Head to Cape St. Gregory

3.5 White Hake

  1. Fishing is only authorized in NAFO Sub-Division 3Pn in water depths greater than or equal to 228.6 m (125 fathoms); OR
  2. outside a line drawn connecting the following coordinates; 47 degrees 30 minutes 35.8164 seconds North, 59 degrees 30 minutes 21.69 seconds West, hence to 47 degrees 23 minutes 31.9164 seconds North, 59 degrees 07 minutes 19.9704 seconds West, hence to 47 degrees 30.37 minutes North, 57 degrees 51.24 minutes West.

3.6 Winter Flounder (blackback)

  1. Fishing will be authorized only in areas where the by-catch of cod has been historically low and where traditional fishing has occurred. The authorized areas in NAFO Division 4R are:
    • Bank Head, Bay St. George to Cape St. George
    • Bluff Head, Port au Port Bay to South Head, Bay of Islands
    • Western Head, Bonne Bay to Green Point
    • Point Riche to Ferolle Point
    • Ferolle Point to Unfortunate Cove Point (Big Brook)
    • Unfortunate Cove Point (Big Brook) to Cape Bauld
  2. Fishing is only authorized in water depths less than 27.4 m (15 fathoms)

Mobile gear

3.7 Redfish Unit 1

  1. Unit 1 consists of NAFO Divisions 4RST, and NAFO Sub-Divisions 3Pn + 4Vn (January 1- May 31).
  2. Participation is limited to groundfish mobile gear operators with a homeport in 4R3Pn or those eligible to fish with overlap privileges.
  3. When both Units 1 and 2 fisheries area are open, fish harvesters are restricted to fishing redfish in one Unit Area (Unit 2 - NAFO Division 3P or Unit 1 - NAFO Divisions 4RST and NAFO Sub-Division 3Pn) during the same fishing trip.
  4. While fishing in NAFO Divisions 4RST and NAFO Sub-Division 3Pn, you are only authorized to fish in water depths greater than 240 m (131 fathoms) from June 15 to October 31, and 182.8 m (100 fathoms) from November 1 to March 31.1
  5. You are authorized to use, carry or have onboard your vessel only an otter trawl from June 15 to December 31.1
  6. You are authorized to use, carry or have onboard your vessel only a midwater trawl from January 1 to March 31.1 Within this fishery, “mid-water trawl” is defined as trawl gear that no portion of which is designed to be or is operated in contact with the bottom at any time. The gear must not include discs, bobbins or rollers on its footrope or any other attachments designed to make contact with the bottom. The trawl may have chafing gear attached.  
  7. Fishing is only permitted in traditional fishing sectors (between Longitude 59 and 65) in NAFO Divisions 4RST.

On October 18, 2024, the Department introduced modifications to the depth and gear requirements in the management plan for the commercial redfish fishery in Unit 1 for the 2024-25 season. Previously the requirement to use a midwater trawl was effective November 1 and the depth restriction was 300m (164 fathoms).

3.8 Redfish Unit 2

For fishing restrictions and management measures related to the redfish fishery in Unit 2 (NAFO Sub-Divisions 3Ps, 4Vs, a portion of NAFO Division 4W, and NAFO Sub-Division 3Pn + 4Vn (June 1- December 31), refer to the 3Ps mobile gear groundfish fleet’s Conservation Harvesting Plan.

3.9 Witch Flounder (greysole)

  1. Fishing will be authorized only in areas in NAFO Division 4R where traditional fishing has occurred. Fishing in other areas of NAFO Division 4R will be considered upon the submission of separate measures.
    • Fishing has been traditionally prosecuted in NAFO Division 4Rd (Bay St. George)
  2. The protection of fish during the spawning period is a management measure that the Department considers imperative for rebuilding the Atlantic groundfish stocks. The following management measure will be effect from April 1 to June 15:
    • To protect cod, the use of diamond mesh will be prohibited.

4. Quota

The Unit 1 redfish allocation for Inshore Mobile Gear >65’ fleet totals 8,162t in 2024-2025. The allocation for the Newfoundland and Labrador fleet is 3,365.04 tonnes.

The Unit 1 redfish allocation for shrimp harvesters in the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (EGSL) totals 5,500t in 2024-2025. The allocation for the Newfoundland and Labrador fleet 2035.0 tonnes.

5. Catch limits

  1. In groundfish fisheries in NAFO Division 4R and Sub-Division 3Pn, quota reconciliation is applied on an annual basis. Quota reconciliation provides that any overharvest of a quota in one year, on an Individual Quota (IQ), Enterprise Allocation or in a competitive fishery, will be accounted for in advance of the following fishing season. The accounting will result in a quantity of fish equal to the quantity of the overrun being taken off the top of the allocation (i.e., not allocated) of the respective licence holder or fleet before the next fishing season starts.
  2. Unit 1 Redfish: In consultation with stakeholders, the management approach for Unit 1 redfish for the 2024-25 management period includes the following elements:
    • IQs for the shrimp harvesters in the EGSL will be directly proportional to their Gulf (Area 8/Esquiman) Shrimp IQs.
    • IQs for the Inshore mobile gear <65’ fleet will be allocated equally between all license holders. This will result in IQs of 73.15t per license holder.
    • Buddy up Arrangement:
      • Buddy up arrangements will be permitted up to a maximum of two enterprises for the season.
      • The fishing enterprise must be operated by the holder of the groundfish licence during the redfish fishery - no designations of substitute operators.
      • The licence holder must fish with a fishing vessel that is registered in his/her name - no vessel leasing.
      • Harvesters must request a buddy-up for Unit 1 redfish from DFO at the beginning of the fishing season. Both parties must submit requests through DFO’s National Online Licencing System (NOLS). Buddy-up arrangements are not valid unless they are approved by DFO.

6. Season

  1. Although fishing seasons are anticipatory, actual opening dates may vary depending on circumstances at the time (e.g. timing of TAC decisions, potential for high by-catch or incidental catch, test fisheries, etc.)
  2. For American plaice, skate/monkfish, and winter flounder fisheries, the Department will require written confirmation that buyers/markets are in place prior to a directed fishery being opened.

Fixed gear season dates

Mobile Gear Season Dates

7. Fishing gear

Fixed Gear

Below is a table summarizing the fishing gear limits using fixed gear by species and area. For complete details refer to the Groundfish General Licence Conditions and the Species Specific Licence Conditions. When fishing any species of groundfish, the licence holder/operator is required to report any lost fishing gear as per Schedule 38 – Marine Mammals Interactions and Management.

Summary of fishing gear limits using fixed gear by species and area
Species Minimum mesh size (mm) Minimum Gape Size (mm) Gear Limit
American plaice 178 - 50 gillnets
Atlantic Halibut 3Pn - 15.4 Minimum hook spacing of 5.49 m (3 fathoms)
Atlantic Halibut 4RST - 15.4 Maximum of 1000 hooks with minimum hook spacing of 5.49 m (3 fathoms)
Greenland halibut 152 - 90 gillnets
Skate/monkfish 266.7 (10.5 inches) in water depths <228.6m (125 fathoms), 304.8 (12 inches) in water depths>228.6m (125 fathoms) - No limit
White hake - 12.6 Longline - 4000 hooks
August 1-31 increase to 6000 hooks
Winter flounder 165 (6.5 inches) - 25 gillnets

Mobile Gear

Below is a table summarizing the fishing gear limits using mobile gear by species and area. For complete details refer to the Groundfish General Licence Conditions and the Species Specific Licence Conditions.

Summary of fishing gear limits using mobile gear by species and area
Species Minimum mesh size (mm)
Redfish Unit 1 90 mm diamond mesh size
Witch Flounder Danish Seine - 155 mm square mesh in the codend

8. Licensing policy

The commercial fishery is guided by licensing policy which sets out requirements and eligibility criteria established by the Minister of DFO with respect to the licensing of commercial fishing and communal-commercial fishing in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region. The policies provide fish harvesters, Indigenous Organizations, and the Canadian public with a clear and consistent statement regarding DFO policy respecting commercial fishing enterprises, the registration of vessels, and the issuance of recreational and commercial fishing licences in the Newfoundland and Labrador Region.

9. Small fish and by-catch closure protocol

  1. Areas will be closely monitored and may be closed to fishing when the number of undersized fish caught exceeds 15% of the total number of the directed species, or when by-catch levels become a conservation concern.
  2. Closures due to small fish or by-catch will remain in effect for a minimum of 10 days.
  3. When a fishery is closed, it will not reopen until it can be effectively monitored and controlled.
  4. If a fishery in a particular area is closed twice during the year, it may remain closed for the remainder of the year.

  5. If a fishery is closed for the minimum 10-day period due to high by-catch levels or small fish, reopening will only be considered following a successful, observed, industry funded test fishery.

    Small fish limits

    • American Plaice: 30
    • Atlantic Halibut (4RST): 85
    • Atlantic Halibut (3Pn): 81
    • Cod: 43
    • Greenland Halibut: 44
    • Redfish: 22
    • White Hake: 45
    • Witch Flounder: 30
    • Winter Flounder: 25

10. Monitoring and reporting

  1. As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions.
  2. When fishing any species of groundfish in NAFO Divisions 4RST and/or Sub-Division 3Pn and at sea in excess of 24 hours duration, and/or when landing in ports outside the Newfoundland and Labrador Region, licence holders are required to report the round weight of all species caught on a daily basis no later than noon (12:00 hours local time). This information is to be submitted by phone to the DFO toll-free number 1-877-637-4315, or submitted by e-mail to DFO.Hails65-Rapport65.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
  3. Unit 1 Redfish:
    1. A hail prior to departure is mandatory for all fleets.
    2. When at sea, all licence holders are to report the round weight of all species caught on a daily basis no later than noon (12:00 hours local time) as described in Appendix 16A. Licence holders must also specify in the hail the allocation being fished. This information is to be submitted by e-mail to DFO.Hails65-Rapport65.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
    3. Dockside monitoring program (DMP) at 100% of the landings is mandatory as outlined in Schedule 02.
    4. The use of a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) approved by DFO is mandatory. Each licence holder/fishing vessel operator must register his DFO-approved VMS unit prior to the beginning of his fishing activities. Data transmission every 15 minutes is required.
  4. At-sea Observers: Unless otherwise stated, industry-funded observer coverage is required.
    1. For Atlantic halibut, industry-funded at-sea observer program for all commercial fisheries will apply at a minimum of 10% for vessels less than 13.7 m (45 feet) and a minimum of 15% for vessels greater than 13.7 m (45 feet).
    2. For Unit 1 redfish, subject to mandatory self-funded At-sea Observer program at a level of 25% from June 15 to October 31, and 100% from November 1 to March 31.
    3. For all other groundfish species, industry-funded at-sea observer program for all commercial fixed gear fisheries at a level of 10% will apply.
    4. For all other groundfish species, industry-funded at-sea observer program for all commercial mobile gear fisheries at a level of 30% will apply.
  5. Electronic Logbook Reporting
    1. For Unit 1 redfish the use of an electronic logbook (Elog) is mandatory in 2024-25.
    2. Fish Harvesters must use a client application approved by DFO for use in their respective region. Furthermore, fish harvesters must have obtained and installed they Elog Key in the client application in order to allow data transmission to the Department.
    3. The Elog must be completed after each set, at each change in sub-division and at least once per day for each fishing expedition and “closed” before arriving at port. A fishing expedition means a voyage that commences at the time a fishing vessel leaves a port to engage in fishing and terminates at the time fish caught during that period are offloaded. Hence, when a fish harvester goes back to port for a reason other than for offloading fish and leaves port again, the fishing expedition goes on until fish are offloaded.
    4. Consult the list of client applications approved by the Department and to obtain your Elog key.
    5. To request a modification to data that has been transmitted to Fisheries and Oceans, you must communicate with the client support service at 1-877-535-7307. 

11. By-catch and incidental catch

  1. For Unit 1 redfish by-catch is defined as the weight of a by-catch species divided by the weight of the directed species, in this case, redfish.
    1. While directing for redfish in Unit 1, the following by-catch provisions will apply:
      • Cod 4TVn: 1% per fishing trip
      • Cod 3Pn4RS: 1% per fishing trip
      • American plaice 4T: 1% per fishing trip
      • White hake 4T: 1% per fishing trip
      • Atlantic halibut in Unit 1: 1% per fishing trip
      • Greenland halibut 4RST: 1% per fishing trip
      • Other species of groundfish 5% per fishing trip
    2. Any Atlantic halibut (Dead or Alive) that is harvested in excess of the 1% trip limit, shall forthwith be returned to the water from which it was taken and, where it is alive, in a manner that causes it the least harm.
    3. Bycatch caps for 3Pn4RS cod, 4T White hake, 4TVn cod have been established to guide management of the Unit 1 redfish fishery.
    4. The bycatch caps applied to the redfish fishery for Inshore mobile gear <65’ fleet (for all fleets in Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Gulf, and Maritimes regions) are as follows:
      • 3Pn4RSCod: 2.7 tonnes
      • 4T White hake: 2.5 tonnes
      • 4TVn Cod: 2.1 tonnes
    5. The bycatch caps applied to the redfish fishery for the EGSL shrimp harvesters fleet distributed by region are as follows:
      Bycatch caps applied to the redfish fishery for the EGSL shrimp harvesters fleet distributed by region
      - 3Pn4RS Cod (t) 4T White hake (t) 4TVn Cod (t)
      QC 0.775 0.698 0.581
      NB 0.388 0.349 0.291
      NL 0.683 0.615 0.512
      Total for the EGSL shrimp harvesters fleet 1.846 1.661 1.384
    6. Once a cap is reached, the Department will assess whether additional bycatch allowance can be re-allocated and may close the area or the Unit 1 redfish fishery for the inshore mobile gear fleet and/or the ESGL shrimp harvester fleet for the remainder of the fishing season.
    7. By-catch of groundfish species may not be released unless a condition of licence authorizes to do so or in accordance with 11.a.ii above.
    8. Certain areas could be closed for fishing for a fleet or specific fleet sectors when a species by-catch, including discards, exceeds the above percentages.
  2. As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions.

12. Closed and defined areas

  1. As per the Groundfish General Licence Conditions, refer to Schedule 34 - Closed and Defined Areas, and Schedule 36 – Closed Areas.
  2. Closed or defined area may also be contained in species specific conditions of licence.

12.1 Protection of spawning fish

  1. The protection of cod during the April 1 to June 23 spawning period is a priority that the Department and the industry consider very important for the reconstruction of the cod stock in the northern Gulf of Saint Lawrence. The following conservation measure will apply:
    • Closure of part of the NAFO Division 4R offshore from St. Georges Bay and Port au Port Bay to all groundfish fishing and all gear types from April 1 to June 23. This cod spawning box is defined by straight lines drawn from the following coordinates:
      • 48 degrees 15’ North, 59 degrees 20’ west, to
      • 49 degrees 10’ North, 59 degrees 20’ west, to
      • 49 degrees 10’ North, 60 degrees 00’ west, to
      • 48 degrees 15’ North, 60 degrees 00’ west, to
      • 48 degrees 15’ North, 59 degrees 20’ west.

13. Species at Risk Act (SARA)

The following species are considered at risk and listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) as either Threatened or Endangered:

In accordance with subsection 83(4) of SARA and the recovery strategy for northern wolffish, spotted wolffish, and leatherback turtle, and having met the conditions of sections 73(2) to (6.1) of SARA for white shark, the licence holder or vessel operator is permitted to carry out commercial fishing activities authorized under the Fisheries Act that may incidentally kill, harm, harass, or capture these species.

During these fishing activities, incidental catches of these species must be returned to the place from which it was taken, and where it is alive, in a manner that causes the least harm. The licence holder or vessel operator is also required to complete the SARA section in the fishing logbook to provide information regarding any interactions with these species. Refer to the Groundfish General Licence Conditions for further information on these requirements.

14. Marine mammals

As per the Groundfish General licence conditions, refer to Schedule 38 - Marine Mammal Interactions and Management Measures.

15. Crew registry

As per the Groundfish General licence conditions, refer to Schedule 39 – Crew Registry.

16. Indigenous participation

Allocations will be negotiated with applicable Indigenous communities for food, social and ceremonial (FSC) purposes. Communal licences for FSC and commercial access will be issued under the Aboriginal Communal Fishing Licence Regulations.

17. Safety at sea

  1. Vessel Safety, and the safety of crew members, falls under the mandate of Transport Canada Safety and Security (TCMSS). The Canada Shipping Act 2001, associated regulations, policies, and programs outline the requirements and obligations.
  2. Vessel owners have an obligation under the Canada Shipping Act 2001 to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements. This obligation is extended to vessel operators to ensure the requirements of the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations are adhered to.
  3. Before leaving port, vessel owners are required to ensure the vessel is designed, constructed, and equipped to operate safely and be seaworthy in its area of operation. This would include such things as:
    • Any modifications made to the vessel need to be done in accordance with standards and verification available if requested. Vessel stability may also need to be verified to include any modifications made.
    • Hatches, doors, and windows watertightness (gaskets, dents, and damage),
    • Underwater penetrations are in good order (not degraded or rusted),
    • Required safety equipment is onboard and valid (not expired),
    • Navigation lights are fitted and in good working order (working bulbs and fixtures are not blocked)
    • Etc.
  4. Owners and operators are also required to ensure all certificates required, are up to date and valid prior to sailing. These certificates include:
    • Vessel Inspection Safety Certificate (if vessel is over 15GT)
    • Crew Certificates (Marine Emergency Duties, Radio Certificate, Nautical Certificates, etc.)

Stability

  1. Stability is important and has been found to be a contributing factor to incidents in the past. Vessels built after July 13th, 2018, are required to have a stability assessment completed and onboard. Vessels built prior to July 13th, 2108, are required to have adequate stability and owners may need to provide verification of adequate stability if requested.
  2. Vessel crews should ensure weights are kept as low as possible and any water onboard is able to be shed overboard through pumps or freeing ports. Vessels with fluid catches should prevent excessive movement of the catch with subdivisions or totes, etc. Any deck equipment should be stacked and secured, keeping as low a center of gravity as possible in mind.

Emergency procedures and drills

  1. Since 2017 fishing vessels have been required to have written safety procedures onboard. This includes, for example:
    • Person Overboard
    • Fire onboard
    • Abandoned ship
    • Pollution
    • Any other procedures deemed necessary.
  2. These procedures are specific to the vessel, the operation, and the numbers of crew members onboard. Each vessel is different so as crew members change vessels, the owner and operator are required to ensure the crew is familiar with the vessel’s layout and safety equipment placement and use, so they are aware of their duties in an emergency. Drills should be conducted as often as necessary to ensure each crew members are familiar with the vessel’s safety procedures. Every time a new crew member comes onboard, a review of the safety procedures followed by drills should take place. Existing crew members should conduct drills several times a year to remain proficient.
  3. Should a vessel be found to not have written emergency procedures onboard, they will be detained and prevented from sailing until such time as the procedures are onboard and the crew can demonstrate proficiency.

Safety equipment

  1. Vessel safety equipment from the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations is based on hull length and the vessels voyage (longer vessels going further offshore require more safety equipment).
  2. A vessels hull length is the longest length from stem to transom including parts which are permanently fixed to the vessel and extend beyond the stem or transom such as:
    • fixed spars,
    • bowsprits,
    • pulpits, or
    • deck extensions.
  3. Hull Length excludes:
    • outboard motors and,
    • Any other type of equipment that can be detached with the use of hand tools.

Personal flotation devices (PFDs)

  1. PDFs are to be worn when there is a risk of drowning (Jeopardizing safety). The Master is to determine when there is a risk of drowning and inform the crew to wear a PFD.
  2. PFDs for fishing vessels must be Transport Canada Approved and be;
    • Of a highly visible color
    • Fitted with retro-reflective tape, and
    • Fitted with a whistle.
  3. Owners and operators are to be aware that requirements for the usage and wear of PFDs is regulated by both the Provincial OHS and Federally Transport Canada Marine Safety and Security. Please check your provincial requirements to ensure all applicable requirements are followed.

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