NEFO_Safety_Training_SOW_DRAFT.pdf

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

Observer Safety Training

Period of Performance: August 11, 2017 – August 10, 2020

Northeast Fisheries Observer Program

166 Water Street

Woods Hole, MA 02543

TABLE OF CONTENTS

STATEMENT OF WORK

OBSERVER PROGRAM BACKGROUND

SCOPE AND OUTCOMES

OBJECTIVES

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

REQUIREMENTS

QUALITY ASSURANCE/PROGRESS/COMPLIANCE

DELIVERABLES

INVOICING

ATTACHMENTS

2017-2018 SBRM SEADAY SCHEDULE

2017 FSB PROJECTED TRAINING SCHEDULE

NOAA FISHERIES OBSERVER SAFETY TRAINING STANDARDS

NMFS OBSERVER SAFETY SKILLS CHECKLIST

PRE-TRIP VESSEL SAFETY CHECKLIST

NORTHEAST FISHERIES SCIENCE CENTER, FISHERIES SAMPLING BRANCH PROGRAM STANDARDS

AMSEA SEVEN STEPS TO SURVIVAL

AMSEA STATION BILL

STATEMENT OF WORK

OBSERVER PROGRAM BACKGROUND

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has an extensive program to monitor and observe living marine resources and associated communities to provide information on biota, their habitats, and the human activities and actions that may impact coastal and ocean ecosystems. Data are the foundation of scientific advice, which provides information to management to support decision-making. A more consistent flow of high quality, credible information is required to improve decision-making. To collect the quantity and quality of data necessary, NMFS intends to improve its capacity to conduct surveys and to conduct research and studies for better understanding of ecosystems. These efforts rely on extensive collaboration with fisheries participants and other stakeholders in the living marine resource decision process.

Observers are the only independent data source for some types of at-sea information such as bycatch composition and mortality, and marine mammal, sea bird and sea turtle interactions.

Although vessel self-reporting is often utilized, only limited data collection demands can reasonably be placed on the captain and crew. In addition, the reliability of self-reported information is a concern for scientists and policy makers, who use the data to make fishery management decisions for the purpose of maintaining the nation’s marine resources.

Currently, there are an estimated 140 observers who are deployed in 3 (three) observer programs

(Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP), Industry Funded Scallop (IFS) Program, and the At-Sea Monitoring (ASM) Program) administered through the Fisheries Sampling Branch

(FSB) of the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). The FSB places observers on commercial fishing vessels operating in waters off Maine through North Carolina, completing between 10,000 and 12,000 sea days per year as defined by the annual Standardize Bycatch

Reduction Methodology (SBRM) Seaday Schedule (Section X, Attachment 1, 2017-2018 SBRM

Seaday Schedule). Additional fisheries or new programs may be added as needed. Commercial fishing is an inherently dangerous occupation, perhaps the most dangerous occupation in the

United States. The importance of providing observers with up to date and high quality safety training is critical to NOAA’s mission principals.

NMFS observer data coverage is essential to reliably estimate catch and bycatch and helping to implement programs to reduce bycatch. Additional benefits of enhanced observer programs are near real-time monitoring of biological and environmental conditions and sampling opportunities not available from dockside sampling. This includes information on marine mammals, turtles and seabirds, resource abundance, contaminants, habitat, life history, and other basic biological information.

NMFS is required to collect scientific, management, regulatory compliance, and economic data for fisheries by placing observers aboard U.S. domestic fishing vessels. These data cannot be obtained at the dock or on Government research vessels. These data are needed for the management of fisheries occurring in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the high seas beyond the EEZ.

NMFS requires Contractor support, as described below, to satisfy these requirements.

SCOPE AND OUTCOMES

The Contractor shall provide and retain the necessary qualified personnel, material, equipment, services, and facilities (except as otherwise specified) to conduct observer safety training for the

NEFSC. The contractor shall conduct approximately 10-12 (ten to twelve) trainings per year, comprised of Safety I, II, and III. Safety I and Safety II shall be, at a minimum, 2 (two) day trainings (16 (sixteen) hours total). Safety III shall be at a minimum, 1 (one) day training (9

(nine) hours). Class size will range from 6 (six) to 24 (twenty-four) students. The provider will be given at a minimum 30 (thirty) days’ notice before a safety training class is scheduled. Safety

I will be scheduled approximately every 1 (one) to 3 (three) months. Safety II and Safety III will be scheduled approximately every 3 (three) to 4 (four) months. Scheduling may vary and is dependent on program needs and observer attrition. The NMFS maintains a projected training schedule each year to help predict future trainings and to communicate that information to staff, observer providers, and observers (Section X, Attachment 2, 2017 FSB Projected Training

Schedule). The provider shall utilize the projected training schedule to help predict and plan for safety training needs on an annual basis.

OBJECTIVES

It is critical that consistent safety training is provided to all fisheries observers, and that safety training adheres to minimum national standards that NOAA Fisheries Service has determine are appropriate for preparing observer for the hazards associated with commercial fishing operations

(Section X, Attachment 3, NOAA Fisheries Observer Safety Training Standards). The purpose of the procedure directive is to establish national safety training standards for what NOAA

Fisheries consider to be the core curriculum topic for observer safety training. The provider will be responsible for conducting safety training for observers in coordination with NMFS staff that is consistent with the requirements outlined by the National Observer Program in an effort to properly supply observers with the skillset needed to perform their duties appropriately. FSB

Observer Safety training consists of an initial safety training (Safety I), refresher safety training

(Safety II) and advanced safety training (Safety III).

Observer Safety Training adheres to minimum national standards set forth by the National

Observer Program (NOP) and is therefore subject to critical updates regarding protocols, standards and instruction. The Contractor shall work closely with NMFS staff to organize and conduct safety training for observers. NMFS staff will play an active role in safety training planning, logistics, and implementation. NMFS staff may also assume permanent roles or take over portions of safety training as necessary.

The National Observer Program is currently undergoing an Observer Safety Program Review. The provider shall abide by the most current safety standards and shall update protocols, standards, and curriculum as required once the review is complete.

POLICIES AND REGULATIONS

In addition to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses referred to and listed in the Request for Proposal (RFP), the contractor shall comply with the Federal Regulations, Acts, Executive Orders, Special Publications, Guidelines, NOAA Directives and Policies and standards listed below.

This listing is not all-inclusive and is not intended to relieve the contractor of its responsibilities for identification of applicable statutes, regulations and procedures and compliance therewith, when performing work under this SOW.

Magnuson-Stevens Fishery, Management, and Conservation Act (MSA)

Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

Data Quality Control Act (P.L. 106-514)

Information Technology Security Policy

Fisheries Management Plans (FMP)

Biological Opinions (BO)

Take Reduction Team (TRT) NOAA Safety Standards

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)

Service Contract Act (SCA)

Department of Labor Wage Determinations

Applicable Federal and State labor laws

Observer Health and Safety regulations

Federal, state, and local safety regulations

Merchant Marine Act (Jones Act) and General Maritime Law

U.S. Longshore and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The period of performance shall be for 1 (one) year with 2 (two) optional years.

Base Year: August 11, 2017 – August 10, 2018

Option Year 1: August 11, 2018 – August 10, 2019

Option Year 2: August 11, 2019 – August 10, 2020

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

All classroom training will be conducted at the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program training facility at Falmouth Technology Park, Falmouth, MA or other designated location. Onboard drills and Damage control training will be conducted in Woods Hole, MA or other designated location. Pool training will be conducted at either the Massachusetts Maritime Academy or other designated location, which might include an open water location during warmer months of the year.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

The COR for this requirement is Ms. Nichole Rossi. Ms. Rossi can be reached at

Nichole.Rossi@noaa.gov or (508) 495-2000.

REQUIREMENTS

Safety Trainer’s Professional Development and Maintenance Requirements

The provider shall conduct all safety trainings in accordance with the requirements listed below.

The requirements listed below follow guidance provided by the National Observer Program.

NOAA Fisheries had determined that, at a minimum, observer safety trainers shall be required to meet the following criteria.

Safety trainers shall have experience at-sea and provide resume or curriculum vitae (CV) documenting relevant experience

Safety trainers shall be required to teach or co-teach at least 1 (one) marine safety topic every year and provide proof of completion to NMFS

Safety trainers shall be required to attend 24 (twenty-four) hours of refresher training on relevant topics every 3 (three) years and provide proof of completion to NMFS. Topics to be covered during refresher training shall be at the discretion of the Contract Officer

Technical Representative (COR) and may include, but are not limited to:

o Enhancing methods of instruction o Techniques of adventure education and/or experiential education o Accident prevention and risk management o Learning to lead; learning to manage risk for beginners o Marine safety and survival skills (advanced topics) o Enhancing methods of assessment and testing

All safety trainings that occur in a pool setting shall include a trainer to trainee ratio that does not exceed 1:6 (not including a lifeguard).

All safety trainings that occur in an open-water setting shall include a trainer to trainee ratio that does not exceed 1:5 (not including a lifeguard)

NMFS Marine Safety Instructor Training (MSIT) certified NMFS staff may help the contractor meet the trainer to trainee ratio, if approved by the COR

Safety trainers shall be responsible for all preparation, set-up, and clean up processes and logistics for each training session

Safety Checklists for Practicals Training

Marine safety training includes training in skills that trainees must not only practice, but also demonstrate competency in, as part of the training. This type of training, also referred to as practicals training, poses inherent risks to the instructors and trainees. Therefore, NMFS has

The contractor shall provide at a minimum at least two (2) instructors that maintain current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), First Aid, Automated

External Defibrillator (AED) and U.S. Coast Guard approved Marine Safety

Instructor Training (MSIT) certifications (http://www.amsea.org/). Copies of certifications shall be included with proposals mailto:Nichole.Rossi@noaa.gov http://www.amsea.org/ developed checklists to ensure that adequate safeguards are taken by the instructors and students to minimize risks during practicals training.

The provider shall use the safety checklists to ensure that proper procedures are followed and ensure safety equipment is on hand to minimize training risks

The provider shall use checklists as a tool for raising the awareness of students regarding the risks associated with safety training

At a minimum the provider shall reference and use the following checklists for practicals training;

Transportation Checklist NMFS requires that trainers ensure that all NMFS policies and procedures outlined in NOAA

Administrative Order 217-106, Transportation of Non-Government Personnel as Passengers on

NOAA Vessels, Aircraft, and Motor Vehicles

(http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/ames/administrative_orders/chapter_217/217-106.html) be followed regarding use of government vehicles, if and when these vehicles are used to transport trainees, assistants, and/or guest instructors. Use of 15-person vans is prohibited.

If the policy does not address the following items, the observer program should verify, at a minimum, that:

The driver is a NMFS employee (or an employee of the contractor, if authorized by the contract and if the contractor is made aware of observer program van use policy)

The driver has a valid driver’s license

All passengers use seat belts at all times

The driver obeys all traffic laws

There are no outstanding traffic warrants against the driver

The driver does not have an excessive number of recent moving violations (e.g. more than three in the past year)

The driver is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Water Skills Checklists

Pool Checklist

Identify pool hazards as a group exercise upon arrival

Trainer-to-trainee monitor ratio does not exceed 1:6 (not including lifeguard)

Identify individuals who cannot swim, are confined-space or water phobic, have respiratory impairments, or other medical conditions that may require additional attention

Lifeguard or trained rescue swimmer must be present at all times

At least one person on-site shall have training in rescue breathing and first aid

Throwable rescue device is on-hand

First aid kit is on hand

Shelter must be provided (can include vehicles)

Indemnity agreement with pool is in place

Trainees are paired off, and each individual is aware of medical or physical needs or conditions of their partner

Trainees know who their monitor is http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/ames/administrative_orders/chapter_217/217-106.html)

Pool rules are covered

All pool activities must have an educational purpose

Trainees and trainee monitors must wear PFDs at all times while in the water, unless donning an immersion suit while in the water or when participating in a swim test

Communications equipment is on hand that can request emergency assistance

Checklist is reviewed with trainees

In addition, safety trainers should encourage trainees to bring medical or other concerns regarding the pool practical to their attention well in advance of the pool time so that additional teaching assistance can be sought if required.

Open-water Checklist Same as above, with the following modifications:

Identify open-water hazards as a group exercise upon arrival (e.g., lightning, animals, piers, boats, underwater obstructions)

Instructor verifies in advance that area has been checked for hazards

Instructor ensures safe entrance and egress

Instructor notifies relevant authorities that training will be conducted

Indemnity agreement may not be applicable

Trainer-to-trainee monitor ratio does not exceed 1:5 (not including lifeguard)

Instructor identifies self-rescue areas

Instructor identifies off-limits areas

Open-water rules are covered

All open-water activities must have an educational purpose

Trainees do not enter cold water (<70 F) without immersion suit unless there is an additional educational component that warrants this activity and additional safety procedures are in place

Flares Checklist

Secure a safe site in advance

Notify relevant authorities that training will be conducted

Identify hazards as a group exercise upon arrival

Flares used must be no more than three years out of date

No parachute flares shall be ignited unless done in conjunction with United States Coast

Guard (USCG)

Trainees made aware that they can opt out of the exercise

All participants must wear closed-toed shoes

Flammability of different types of clothing should be considered (i.e., fleece, wool, cotton)

1:1 instructor-to-trainee ratio

Second instructor or monitor is present (crowd control is critical)

Safe disposal for used flares

Fire extinguisher is present

Eye protection and heavy gloves are provided for each trainee

Communications equipment (e.g., VHF) is available for marine users

Security plans are available pre- and post-drill

First aid kit is available

Lights are provided for reading (if at night)

Fires and Fire Extinguishers Checklist

Secure a safe site in advance

Notify relevant authorities that training will be conducted

Identify hazards as a group exercise upon arrival

Trainees made aware that they can opt out of exercise

All participants must wear closed-toed shoes

Flammability of different types of clothing should be considered (i.e., fleece, wool, cotton)

1:1 instructor-to-trainee ratio

Second instructor or monitor is present with backup fire extinguisher (crowd control)

Fight fire in pairs with instructor nearby

Rest of class must stay well back and upwind

Ensure cars are away from site

Metal burn container is available

Float Class B flammables on water

Pole, duct tape, and flare are available to ignite fire

Pole attachment available for adding fuel

Eye protection and heavy gloves are provided for each trainee

Water hose if available

Communications equipment (e.g., cell phone) available

Security plans are available pre- and post-drill

First aid kit is available

Absorbent pads are available

Personal Safety Equipment Safety equipment is critical to surviving an emergency. The following is a list of equipment that each observer must have prior to deployment, whether furnished by NMFS, the observer’s employer, or self-purchased. Safety trainers are required to instruct observers on the proper use and maintenance of personal safety equipment as part of the safety training curriculum.

Required equipment;

Working Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with whistle

Immersion suit with strobe, whistle and signal mirror

Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)

Weather jacket and pants

Boots

Gloves

Batteries for strobe

Safety Training Curriculum

The safety training topics presented in this section represent what NMFS considers to be the core curriculum for observer safety training, recognizing that in some programs, additional safety topics are taught that further enhance risk awareness and safety skills that may be more specific to certain regions or fisheries.

Each core curriculum topic includes the goals and objectives for training. For certain safety topics, competency in completing safety skills must be demonstrated by the trainee in order to pass the safety training. These safety skills are highlighted in bold and are identified separately in a sample “Skills Checklist” (Section X, Attachment 4, NMFS Observer Safety Skills

Checklist).

The order of topics presented is not intended to represent guidance in what sequence these topics should be taught, as many of these topics may be better taught in a different sequence or may be integrated as appropriate into other areas of observer training. NMFS estimates the minimum time needed to cover these topics and lists those hours according to the specific safety training.

Curriculum hours are exclusive of assessment time, breaks, lunch, and travel time. Twenty (20) calendar days prior to each class, the Contractor will provide NEFOP with an training agenda listing subjects to be covered, intended method of instruction (i.e., video, lecture, PDFs, hands-on, etc.), approximate start and finish times for each topic, and list of materials and/or equipment participants are required to wear/bring.

Safety I (16 (sixteen) hours) The contractor shall provide approximately 16 (sixteen) hours of safety training (2 (two), 8

(eight) hour days) including, but not limited to, the following topics:

General Health and Safety

First Aid

Goal: Provide observers with an understanding of how to self-treat minor injuries and what should not be done in treating personal injuries.

Objectives: By the end of this presentation, the trainee will be able to:

Describe and demonstrate the proper method for applying pressure bandages and identify pressure points (upper and lower torso) to stop bleeding

List five items that should be purchased during training for the observer’s personal first aid kit (not typically included in Red Cross or American Heart Association (AHA) training)

Describe three methods for treatment of strains and sprains

Describe and demonstrate the proper method for making a simple sling

Describe and demonstrate methods for proper cleaning and treatment of cuts and burns

Recognize when cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be given to cold-water

(<70 F) drowning victims

Identify the role of first responder (reference additional objectives, as appropriate, from

Red Cross or AHA first aid training)

Describe the program’s reporting requirements for injuries

Suggested time: 60 (sixty) minutes

Infections

Goal: Be able to identify fisheries or human-related situations that may result in infections, and ways to prevent and treat infections.

List the causes of fisheries or human-related infections

Identify ways to prevent contact that could result in infections

Identify the types of treatment to prevent infection

List the indications of an infection

List the methods for treating an infection

Suggested time: 15 (fifteen) minutes

Survival Training

Seven Steps to Survival

Goal: Introduce trainees to the Seven Steps to Survival.

Objective: By the end of the presentation, the trainee will be able to:

Name and discuss the seven steps to survival

Suggested time: 15 (fifteen) minutes.

Survival Kit

Goal: Introduce trainees to personal survival kits.

Objective: By the end of this presentation, the trainee will be able to:

List the general requirements for the contents of a survival kit and discuss appropriate storage

Safety Concerns on Commercial Fishing Vessels

Scope of Duties

Goal: Understand an observer’s scope of duties as it relates to safety onboard a vessel.

List tasks that are routinely performed by observers

List the tasks that should not be performed (except in an emergency)

Identify potential safety hazards involved in performing assigned tasks (may be used as a lead-in to biological hazards or other topics)

Identify safety concerns on a vessel that does not have an operational Marine

Sanitation Device (MSD), e.g. toilet, head, and latrine

Suggested time: 30 (thirty) minutes

Seasickness

Definition: Disturbance of the inner-ear balance system that leads to nausea.

Goal: Understand the symptoms, prevention of, and remedies for seasickness; to be aware of program’s reporting requirements regarding prolonged seasickness.

List the symptoms of seasickness

List actions observers can take to minimize the likelihood of becoming seasick

Identify the most important things to do in the event of seasickness

Identify the advanced stages of seasickness

State the program’s reporting requirements regarding prolonged seasickness

Fatigue/Sleep Deprivation

Definitions: Sleep deprivation: The disturbance of an individual’s circadian sleep cycle.

Fatigue: Physical or mental exhaustion due to prolonged exertion.

Goal: Understand the effects of sleep deprivation and fatigue and understand how to mitigate the impacts on safety, data collection tasks, and data quality.

Define sleep deprivation

Define fatigue

List symptoms of sleep deprivation and fatigue

List possible effects of sleep deprivation and fatigue

List strategies or remedies to mitigate sleep deprivation and fatigue

Vessel Drug/Alcohol Issues

Goal: Recognize the risks associated with alcohol and drug use by the crew and/or captain.

Curriculum and instruction should align with NMFS’s polices and guidance taught during initial trainings.

Describe how an observer’s safety might be compromised by onboard use of alcohol or drugs

List the effects of alcohol and drugs on performance

State the legal blood alcohol limit for commercial vessel operators

Describe options the observer has when the crew and/or captain are using or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Describe the program’s reporting requirements regarding onboard use of drugs or alcohol

Appropriate Clothing

Goal: Recognize what is appropriate clothing (e.g., safety, warm, etc.) for fisheries observers and its benefits.

Identify regionally appropriate clothing for deployment

Identify three pieces of inappropriate clothing for deployment

Reinforce NMFS policy for dressing appropriately

Hypothermia

Goal: Understand the causes and dangers of hypothermia and be able to prevent, recognize, and treat it.

Define hypothermia

List the body’s main areas of heat loss

Identify the body area of primary importance for heat loss and explain why

List procedures to prevent hypothermia

Describe signs and symptoms of hypothermia

Describe the hypothermia treatment guidelines for the first responder

Describe the effects of conduction on a body out of water versus in the water

Suggested time: 30 (thirty) minutes.

Cold-Water Survival Skills

Goal: Understand the effects of immersion in cold water and the general principles of surviving a cold-water emergency.

List the general factors necessary to survive a cold-water emergency

List the “stay rules,” for surviving a cold-water emergency

Describe the techniques that increase survival time in cold water and explain how they work

Describe the equipment necessary to maintain the HELP position

Embark/Disembark

Goal: Recognize and minimize the effects of inherent dockside and at-sea transfer hazards during embarking or disembarking a commercial fishing vessel.

List dockside and at-sea transfer boarding and disembarking hazards (embark and disembark safety, getting observer issued gear onboard, gangways, ice and snow, embarking rafted vessels, use of dingy for transport, etc.)

List ways to reduce dockside and at-sea transfer risks during embarking and disembarking a commercial fishing vessel

Sampling Safety

Goal: Understand and mitigate hazards associated with sampling (general overview recognizing deck hazards, vessel stability, proper lift techniques, etc.)

Identify hazards to avoid when setting up a sampling station

List criteria for selecting and creating a safe workspace

List on-deck hazards related to working on a commercial fishing vessel

Identify situations when assistance may be needed with sampling

Demonstrate proper lifting techniques

Describe how weather and other factors may affect sampling safety

Describe conditions or situations that might require abandoning sampling

Hazardous Marine Organisms

Goal: Be prepared to deal with hazardous marine organisms.

Identify dangerous marine organisms

List practical procedures for handling or avoiding dangerous marine organisms

List pain relieving remedies for stings and bites from marine organisms

Vessel and Rigging Hazards

Goal: Be able to identify and respond appropriately to potential vessel and rigging hazards and risks.

Identify potential hazards to watertight/weather integrity

List signs of inadequate maintenance and upkeep

Identify hazardous chemicals and/or gases that may be present on commercial fishing vessels

Identify the signs of deteriorating vessel stability

List situations that can decrease the stability of a vessel

Identify the appropriate responses to vessel hazards

State the program’s reporting requirements for vessel hazards

Identify areas on a vessel to avoid entering alone

Identify subjective and objective risks on a vessel

Suggested time: 45 (forty-five) minutes.

Gear Hazards

Goal: Be able to identify potential gear hazards and ways to avoid or minimize injuries caused by them.

Identify the potential hazards associated with gear deployment, operation, and retrieval

Identify the safe locations during gear deployment, operation, and retrieval according to

FSB protocols and policies

Discuss how those locations may change during periods of inclement weather

Falls and Slips

Goal: Minimize accidents resulting from falls and slips.

Discuss what is meant by “one hand for the boat and one hand for yourself”

Identify factors that increase the likelihood of slips and falls

List ways to minimize slips and falls

Person Overboard (POB)

Goal: Understand how to properly respond to potential and real POB situations.

List practices that will reduce the risk of going overboard

List the steps in POB recovery

Discuss the importance of a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) in surviving a

POB situation

Recognize the roles and procedures for POB recovery and treatment

Abandon Ship

Goal: Understand when it is time to abandon ship and how to do so safely.

Identify the abandon ship signal

Discuss the risks of abandoning ship

Identify when to abandon ship

List the steps to safely abandon ship

Safety Regulations and USCG Procedures

Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations (see also specific Safety

Equipment topics)

Goal: Understand the importance of commercial fishing vessel safety regulations. This content will be formally presented by NMFS staff but regulations regarding specific Safety Equipment should be emphasized during those individual sections.

List the resources for obtaining commercial fishing vessel safety regulations

List the USCG’s safety equipment requirements that, when missing or out of service, will lead to the termination of the fishing trip and a documented offense. (These requirements are usually referred to as the Big Five, and may vary depending on the size of the vessel, water temperature, area of operation, number of people on vessel, fishery, or region)

Reference the NMFS requirements regarding safety

State the observer program’s requirements for a USCG Safety Examination Decal and the procedures to follow in the event that a vessel does not have a current and valid Safety

Examination Decal

USCG Helicopter Evacuations

Goal: Understand the hazards and procedures during a USCG helicopter evacuation.

Describe the inherent dangers of a USCG helicopter evacuation

List the procedures involved in preparing a vessel for a helicopter evacuation

List the procedures in preparing a patient for a helicopter evacuation

Teaching Resource: Alaska Marine Safety Education Association DVD on helicopter evacuations (12 (twelve) minutes)

Suggested time: 20 (twenty) minutes.

Safety Orientation

Pre-trip Vessel Safety Checklist (PTVSC)

Goal: Understand what a PTVSC (Section X, Attachment 5 Pre-Trip Vessel Safety Checklist) is, its function within the observer program, the observer’s requirement for checking safety items, and how to complete the checklist correctly. NMFS staff will present material regarding the

PTVSC.

Explain the difference between a USCG vessel examination/inspection and a PTVSC

Describe the observer program’s requirements regarding the function of a PTVSC

Describe the procedures completing a PTVSC

Understand the observer’s role versus the USCG and the NMFS Office of Law

Enforcement regarding the PTVCS

Describe some of the problems or obstacles in completing the PTVSC, and explain steps to overcome them

Complete a PTVSC onboard a commercial fishing vessel (or simulate completion of a checklist if a vessel is not available)

Simulated Orientation or Dockside Tour

Goal: Be familiar with safety/survival items and procedures when boarding a vessel or when on the docks. Recognize the risk of entrapment and the importance of knowing escape routes from all areas of the vessel.

List the points to be covered during a vessel safety orientation

State the observer’s role and duties in vessel emergencies

Identify the location of the onboard safety instructions or station billet

Perform and/or participate in a vessel (or simulated) orientation

List possible occurrences that indicate an escape plan is needed

Identify primary and secondary escape routes

Identify the potential hazards or obstructions to an escape route

Increase situational awareness when boarding a vessel to prepare for an escape

Suggested time: 90 (ninety) minutes.

Safety Equipment

Personal Flotation Devices (PFD)

Goal: Understand the function, correct use, and maintenance of PFDs.

Discuss the various USCG types of PFDs

Given the type of PFD used by your observer program, state one advantage and one limitation

List the signaling devices available for PFDs

Demonstrate the correct use and adjustment of a PFD

Describe procedures for inspecting and properly maintaining PFDs

If your program issues Type II, III, or V PFD, state the importance of the inflation collar or bladder

If your program issues Type II, III, or V PFD, demonstrate how to inflate the

PFD

Discuss NOAA and NMFS PFD policy for wearing a PFD while on deck

Demonstrate the “HELP” position with a PFD on in the water

Demonstrate the “huddle” position with a PFD on in the water

Suggested time: 1 (one) hour

Immersion Suits

Goal: Understand the function, correct use, and maintenance of immersion suits.

State the functions and features of an immersion suit

Demonstrate proper donning of an immersion suit within 60 (sixty) seconds

Demonstrate how to inspect, maintain, and stow an immersion suit while underway

Demonstrate oral inflation of floatation collar or bladder

Demonstrate proper water entry techniques wearing an immersion suit

Demonstrate swimming on your back while wearing an immersion suit

Discuss the complications involved in donning an immersion suit in the water. If conditions allow, it is recommended that this skill be practiced in the water

Demonstrate tandem and chain swimming while wearing an immersion suit in the water

Demonstrate “rafting” an injured person while wearing an immersion suit in the water

Discuss safety equipment that should be considered for attachment to an immersion suit

(whistle, light, strobe, mirror, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), etc.)

Suggested time: 2 (two) hours

Life Raft/Hydrostatic Release

Goal: Understand the correct mounting, release, launch, and boarding of a life raft.

List the steps to properly release and launch a life raft

Demonstrate the proper securing and release of the hammer type hydrostatic release and identify hydrostatic release and raft service expiration dates

Recognize situations that may affect the safe launching of a life raft

Board a life raft from the water (with or without assistance)

Demonstrate righting a capsized life raft

Identify life raft capacity

Describe proper installation of a “float free” life raft with weak link

Suggested time: 20 (twenty) minutes.

Valise Life Raft

Goal: Understand the purpose and proper storage and use of a valise life raft.

Demonstrate the proper way to transport and stow the life rafts onboard a vessel

Describe the steps to properly launch a valise life raft

Recognize the various types of valise life rafts and identify which require a ditch kit

Locate inspection expiration date and life raft capacity

Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Kits

Goal: Recognize where SOLAS kits are located, what they contain, and how the items contained in them work.

Locate the inspection date, capacity, and type of SOLAS kit

Demonstrate the function of equipment in a SOLAS A kit

List the items found in a SOLAS A kit that are not found in a SOLAS B kit

Identify a Thermal Protective Aid (TPA)

Suggested time: 40 (forty) minutes.

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB) Goal: Understand the function and correct use of an EPIRB Search and Rescue (SAR) system.

List the advantages of the 406 EPIRB SAR system over other systems

Identify the difference between a Category I and II 406 EPIRB

Identify the components of an EPIRB SAR system

Describe the important aspects of the proper use of an EPIRB

Demonstrate the proper technique for activating an EPIRB

Identify the expiration dates for an EPIRB hydrostatic release, device battery, and NOAA

SARSAT registration

Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

Goal: Understand the function and correct use of a PLB.

Recognize the different types of PLBs

Demonstrate the proper technique for testing and activating a PLB

Identify the expiration dates for device battery and NOAA SARSAT registration

Recognize situations in which it would be appropriate to activate a PLB

Fires and Fire Extinguishers

Goal: Understand fire hazards and basic firefighting techniques.

List the critical elements of a fire

List the fire hazards aboard a fishing vessel

List the classifications of fire and acceptable extinguishing agents for each class

Describe (or if possible, demonstrate) the steps in the proper use of a fire extinguisher

List the safety considerations in fighting a fire

Identify the observer program’s recommendations regarding the role of the observer in fighting fires

Discuss how to identify fire extinguishers that are properly maintained, mounted, and in serviceable condition

Suggested time: 60 (sixty) minutes.

Communication Equipment and Mayday Calls

Goal: Understand how to locate and use communication equipment, the steps in making a proper

Mayday call, and to read and understand an electronic positioning system onboard a fishing vessel.

Demonstrate a proper MAYDAY call

List the types of communication equipment and the proper distress channel

Identify the types of emergency broadcasts

Determine a fishing vessel’s location by using an electronic positioning device or by dead-reckoning

Flares

Goal: Understand the safe and proper procedure for handling, firing, and disposing of pyrotechnic devices and when to use each type.

Describe the safe and proper steps for firing the parachute type flare

Describe the safe and proper steps for firing handheld flares and smoke pyrotechnic devices

Describe the safe and proper steps for disposing pyrotechnic devices

Identify the conditions for using different types of flares

Identify the location of expiration dates on each type of flare

Signaling Devices

Goal: Understand the general principles for signaling for help in an emergency.

Describe the difference between active and passive signals

Discuss the importance of using both during emergencies

List the elements of an effective signal

Demonstrate proper use of a signal mirror

De-watering Pump

Goal: Understand how to use a USCG issued dewatering pump in an emergency.

Demonstrate the proper retrieval, assembly, and use of a USCG de-watering pump

Every trainee will demonstrate proper techniques for the following emergency procedures and skills in the pool/open-water:

PFDs – test various types of PFDs

“HELP” and “huddle” positions while wearing a PFD

Wave spray protection

Swimming through oil, fire and debris

Emergency/improvised floatation – types/techniques

Immersion suits – don at pool side and properly enter water, don in-water, manually inflate bladder, float on back, individual and chain swim, towing/rafting a non-swimmer or injured person, group survival and signaling techniques

Deploy (inflate) a life raft, swim to a capsized life raft, egress from underneath raft, right and board from the water and perform the initial and secondary life raft actions

Swim 50 (fifty) yards and tread water for 3 (three) minutes

Wearing an immersion suit, swim 25 (twenty five) yards using proper stroke

Enter pool wearing foul weather gear

Use of a ring buoy/life sling

All equipment used in the pool/open-water will be thoroughly rinsed.

Safety II (16 (sixteen) hours) All students attending Safety II training must have successfully completed the 16 (sixteen) hour

Safety I training completed with the NEFOP. This course is designed for observers who have considerable at sea experience on commercial fishing vessel. Equivalent training will be considered on a case by case basis.

Safety II training will be at a minimum 16 (sixteen) hours long. In general, the training will an overview of topics observers have already been taught and trainees should come prepared to discuss their pre-assigned topics. Instructor led topics/discussions minimized and hands-on demonstrations, water exercises, and simulated emergency drills. NMFS shall contract a commercial fishing vessel to be utilized whenever possible to simulate the comprehensive vessel safety emergency drills including: Person Overboard, Fire, Flooding, and Abandon Ship.

The Contractor shall, within the framework of classroom discussions, hands-on demonstrations, water exercises and simulated emergency drills, cover the following topics:

Review building layout and safety concerns

Review and sign training acknowledgement of risk (Section X, Attachment 6, Northeast

Fisheries Science Center, Fisheries Sampling Branch Program Standards)

At sea medical emergencies: At-sea first aid; identify risk of infections and ways to prevent and treat them; understand symptoms, prevention of, remedies, and reporting requirements for seasickness

Helicopter evacuations: identify situations in which a helicopter evacuation may occur, describe necessary preparation for vessel and patient and identify potential dangers

Sleep deprivation: explain the effects of sleep deprivation and fatigue and ways to mitigate the impacts of it on observer duties

Personal survival kits

Dressing for the job: review appropriate clothing for observers and its benefits

Vessel drug and alcohol issues: describe the risks associated with drug and alcohol use by captain and/or crew

Hypothermia: describe signs and symptoms of hypothermia, situations which cause hypothermia, review high heat loss areas, discuss treatment and prevention

Survival strategy review: Seven Steps to Survival (Section X, Attachment 7, AMSEA

Seven Steps to Survival) describe the difference between immediate and delayed onset emergencies; list the components of the “survival tetrahedron”; identify observers’ role in an emergency; review cold water survival skills, list “stay rules” and demonstrate

“HELP” and “huddle” positions

Dock and vessel safety: identify tripping hazards, slippery surfaces, dark, ladders, equipment/gear transfer, vessel boarding/disembarking

Sampling safety: Demonstrate proper lifting techniques, proper fish handling, knife safety; explain on-deck hazards on commercial fishing boats including marine life, rigging, gear and potential slip and fall hazards

Underway wheel watch: identify a wheel watch, when they should be conducted, identify situations in which the wheel watch might fail and how to react if wheel watch is lost

Complete a PTVSC explain NMFS requirement for observer completion, explain rolls of observer and captain while completing PTVSC

Vessel stability: factors that can change stability, indications that stability may be compromised and how to react

Inspect all NMFS or contractor issued safety equipment: PFD, immersion suit, PLB

PFDs: identify types, function, maintenance and use; review NOAA PFD policy

Immersion suits: review proper care, maintenance, inspection, use and at sea storage;

check attachments (strobe, mirror, whistle, and PLB)

PLB: test and discuss activation; identify expiration dates of battery, SARSAT registration

At-sea emergencies: identify types of at-sea emergencies and the safety gear onboard vessels that will assist in remediation, rescue and/or survival; complete a vessel station bill (Section X, Attachment 8, AMSEA Station Bill)

Life raft: identify proper installation of “float free” and hydrostatic releases; demonstrate proper use, manual deployment, and boarding; identify expiration date for the hydrostatic release, life raft service expiration date, and life raft capacity

SOLAS kits: identify the different SOLAS kits (A/B); describe items in each kit; discuss when each kit is required

Valise life raft: review proper ways to transport and store a valise raft on a vessel;

demonstrate manual deployment, necessity of ditch kit; identify raft capacity and service date

EPIRB: explain proper activation and testing procedures and SARSAT system; identify expiration dates of hydrostatic release, battery, and NOAA SARSAT registration

Marine communication: identify different types of radios and proper use; explain use in emergency and components of a proper mayday call

Signals: identify requirements for a good signal; describe various signaling methods and techniques and their effectiveness; demonstrate proper use of a signal mirror

Flares: explain safety concerns; identify different types and effectiveness; demonstrate proper use; locate expiration date

Fire procedures: cover fire fighting basics with an emphasis on hands-on demonstration, review classes of fires, types of fire extinguishers, protective equipment and clothing, tactical considerations, and prevention; locate expiration date and pressure

Abandon ship procedures: discuss making the call; identify roles; discuss preparation, supplies needed, and proper deployment and entry into a life raft

Person overboard procedures: identify roles; discuss procedures for maneuvering vessel, recovery, and treatment

Flooding procedures: identify roles; explain difference between flood and leak; “PCP”;

de-watering pump procedures for retrieval and use

Pool/open-water training

Any water skills must follow proper protocol appropriate to location as outlined in the NEFSC

FSB Program Standards (Section X, Attachment 6, Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Fisheries

Sampling Branch Program Standards). All equipment used in the pool or open water will be thoroughly rinsed.

Wave spray protection

Swimming through oil, fire and debris

Swim 50 (fifty) yards and tread water for 3 (three) minutes

Test various types of PFDs

Demonstrate “HELP” and “huddle” positions while wearing a PFD

Emergency/improvised floatation types and techniques

Immersion suits: don at pool side and properly enter water, don in-water, manually inflate bladder, float on back, individual and chain swim, towing and rafting a non-swimmer or injured person, group survival and signaling techniques

Wearing an immersion suit, swim 25 (twenty five) yards using proper stroke

Deploy a life raft, swim to a capsized life raft, egress from underneath raft, right and board from the water and perform the initial and secondary life raft actions

Use of a throw ring/life sling

Onboard safety drills

All students and instructors involved in drill simulations are required to wear a PFD while working on deck. Any water skills must follow proper protocol appropriate to location as outlined in the NEFSC FSB Program Standards (Section X, Attachment 6, Northeast Fisheries

Science Center, Fisheries Sampling Branch Program Standards). All equipment used in the pool or open water will be thoroughly rinsed.

Complete station bill with assigned roles and tasks for each individual in the group for fire, person overboard, flooding and abandon ship emergencies

Complete a vessel orientation and discuss general safety concerns during drills, proper immersion suit storage, proper valise life raft storage and deployment, location of safety equipment, egress from areas of a vessel an observer might find himself/herself under various emergencies situations (dark, smoke filled, flooding, capsized)

Onboard dills will include: person overboard, fire, flood and abandon ship exercises

Observers will demonstrate the following during simulated drills:

o Demonstrate a proper mayday call o Proper assembly, use and challenges in using a USCG de-watering pump o Minimize the effects of flooding o Proper donning of immersion suits within 60 (sixty) seconds o Deployment of a life raft, entry into raft from vessel o Perform the initial and secondary life raft actions o Enter water from life raft in an immersion suit o Swimming techniques in an immersion suit including manually inflating bladder, floating on back, individual and chain swim, towing and rafting a non-swimmer or injured person, group survival and signaling techniques o Righting of a capsized life raft, egress from underneath the raft, and boarding the raft from the water

Debrief safety drills

Every trainee will be evaluated on demonstrating proper techniques for the following exercises, which should be included in the skills checklist:

Write a station bill and participate in simulated vessel drills

Complete a vessel orientation and a PTVSC

Demonstrate the correct use and adjustment of a PFD, demonstrate how to inflate the

PFD, demonstrate “HELP” and “huddle” positions while wearing a PFD

Demonstrate proper donning of an immersion suit within 60 (sixty) seconds, demonstrate how to inspect, maintain, and stow an immersion suit while underway, demonstrate oral inflation of floatation collar or bladder, demonstrate proper water entry techniques wearing an immersion suit, demonstrate swimming on your back while wearing an immersion suit for 25 (twenty five) yards, demonstrate tandem and chain swimming while wearing an immersion suit in the water, demonstrate “rafting” an injured person while wearing an immersion suit in the water, demonstrate group survival and signal techniques

Demonstrate the proper securing and release of the hammer type hydrostatic release and identify hydrostatic release and raft service expiration dates

Demonstrate proper manual deployment of a life raft, board a life raft from the water

(with or without assistance), perform the initial and secondary life raft actions, right a capsized life raft

Demonstrate the proper way to transport and stow valise life rafts onboard a vessel

Demonstrate the function of equipment in a SOLAS A kit

Demonstrate the proper technique for activating an EPIRB

Demonstrate the proper technique for testing and activating a PLB

Demonstrate the proper use of a fire extinguisher

Perform a proper MAYDAY call

Demonstrate proper use of a signal mirror

Swim 50 (fifty) yards and tread water for 3 (three) minutes

SAFETY III (minimum of 9 (nine) hours)

This course is designed for observers who have considerable at sea experience on commercial fishing vessels and who have, at a minimum, already completed 4 (four) or more safety trainings.

Final approval to attend Safety III will be granted by NEFOP Staff, on a case by case basis.

Safety III training will be at a minimum 9 (nine) hours long. In general, the training will be student led, through pre-assigned topics. Instructor led topics/discussions minimized and hands-on demonstrations, and simulated emergency drills.