Safety Issues Result in Vessel Voyage Termination

A commercial fishing vessel voyage was terminated early this morning by the Coast Guard for failure to comply with safety regulations. The Chargers, a 59-foot scalloping vessel homeported in Barnegat Light, NJ, was boarded this at 12:18 a.m. by a Coast Guard 41-foot patrol boat from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light. The vessel was found to have life rings with improper markings, outdated fire extinguishers, no operators license on board, no copy of the rules of navigation and over a foot of water in the bilge. “The reason we terminate a voyage is for the safety of the crew,” said Capt. Robert Durfey, commanding officer of Group-Air Station Atlantic City. “Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world and enforcing these rules is ultimately for their own safety.” The Coast Guard wants boaters to remember: “Your in command” of your own safety. With the warm weather quickly approaching, it is important that all boaters carry life jackets, flares and a marine radio on board. It is also suggested that you file a float plan, which is simply letting someone on shore know where you are going and what time you are expected to be back.