Attachment_7-Port_Orientation_Program.pdf

SECTION J

Port Orientation Program At-Sea Monitoring and Northeast Fisheries Observer

Program

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Marine Fisheries Service

Northeast Fisheries Observer Program Northeast Fisheries Science Center

166 Water Street Woods Hole, MA 02543

Statement of Need At-Sea Monitors (ASMs) and Northeast Fisheries Observer Program (NEFOP) observers are deployed on vessels fishing out of a variety of ports along the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic coast. Vessels deploy from the docks early in the morning and from dozens of location within a single port. To ensure acceptable logistics, timely planning, and safe deployments, it is imperative that new observers are familiar with the layout of the major ports before they deploy. Port orientation tours lead by an FSB staff member and possibly an industry representative familiar with each port is an extension of At-Sea Monitor and NEFOP training, and will better prepare observers for safe, on-time, and successful deployments.

Facilitators and Logistics The orientations will take place in the ports of New Bedford and Gloucester MA and occur on two consecutive days after the completion of At-Sea Monitor and NEFOP training. A time and meeting location will be determined and relayed to the trainees toward the end of training. The observers will drive their own vehicles to the meeting location and meet the facilitator at the pre-determined time. Additionally, carpooling may be offered. The facilitators for the orientation will be two FSB staff members that may have the assistance of the Northeast Fisheries Observer Program’s Fisheries Liaisons. The liaisons have local knowledge of these ports and the vessels that fish out of them. In future trainings, other major ports could also be visited for orientations. Observers will be

Attachment 7

EA133F-17-RP-1824

required to attend the orientation for the port closest to them, with an option to attend the second. Observers attending the orientation should plan on wearing clothes suitable for the day outdoors; comfortable shoes (no sandals or open-toed shoes) and a hat.

Orientation Objectives The main objective for the port orientation program is to familiarize new observers with general operational logistics of two main ports of departure.

Common fishing vessel locations, how vessels tie-up, hazards in crossing over vessels to board, where vessels take out catch, and how to best communicate with captains and crew will be covered. Many of these docks, piers, and fish houses have common names that are known within the fishing community, and knowledge of local nomenclature will help to avoid misunderstanding when setting up trips. Facilitators will point out potential hazards associated with each location and any fishing vessel hazards that can be observed; facilitators will also discuss safe boarding practices from these locations. Traveling to the ports will give each observer a realistic idea of the travel timeframes, and familiarize them with the fastest routs. During the port tour the facilitators will be able to point out local resources such as: safe parking locations, restaurants/stores, and laundry.

Any specialized trawl gear seen on local vessels can be pointed out along with the identifying characteristics to further supplement observer trawl gear training. If logistics and time allows, the port tour will include a visit to the local port agents office where observers will meet local port agents and learn about their roles and responsibilities.

Costs and Compensation NMFS will compensate the contractor hourly for the observers travel time, and time during the orientation. Personal auto mileage will be reimbursed for observers regardless of distance traveled. Observers should plan on attending the first available orientation that does not coincide with a trip.

Attachment 7

EA133F-17-RP-1824