Since the Coast Guard implemented the Mariner Credentialing Program which consolidated the various licenses and documents into one passport-style Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), there have been many issues plaguing the process.  Recently the National Marine Center surged the application process to clear out any backlog with an end goal of reducing the processing time to 30 days.  Having accomplished that goal, the USCG reports that mariners that meet all of the requirements and submit a complete application package to the Coast Guard are receiving their credentials between 15-20 days from the time they submitted their application.  Since July, the Coast Guard has issued 19,000 credentials to mariners, over 13,000 of these mariners (60%) received their credential within 27 days of submitting their application to the Coast Guard. In the month of September alone, 3,400 mariners received their credentials within 18 days.

Hear from a USCG representative on how this new process is working and what you can do to ensure a quick response to your application

Quantifying Quality:    Everyone “knows” that improved handling practices result in higher value product.  Yet, until now no one could say with certainty which practices result in the biggest changes in wholesale values on various Bristol Bay salmon products.  Most importantly, recently concluded research estimates the dollar impact of various handling practices on wholesale value.  Presenting:   Marcus Hartley, Northern Economics LLC.
 

Pebble Mine:   The proposed mine in the headwaters of Bristol Bay threatens the Bristol Bay fishery and its 7,000 fishermen.  The campaign to protect Bristol Bay’s commercial fishery is entering a critical stage.  Learn more about the campaign and the importance of the commercial fishermen’s voice in the outcome.  Presenting:  Gary Cline, commercial fisherman (a speaker at TEDx), Ben Blakey (commercial fisherman)  and Shoren Brown (CFBB Program Manager).

Economic Impact of BB on west coast states:   Roughly 40% of Bristol Bay commercial fishermen reside in three west coast states.  Processors are also based here, as are boat builders, equipment suppliers, packaging vendors and numerous other components of the seafood industry.  It adds up to a significant element in the west coast economy.  Hear an update about on-going research on this topic.  Presenting:  Dr. Gunnar Knapp, University of Alaska.

Guardians of the Gates takes a hard look at the elite Coast Guard Search & Rescue crews that conduct over 600 rescues a year. Filmed at the nation's second busiest Coast Guard station--located right next to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco–Guardians gets an inside look at what makes these search and rescuers put their lives on the line every day, going out in extreme weather and waves that are over twenty five feet. With the camera crew riding along, you get a front seat ride as the Coast Guard crews are tested in life and death situations. Produced and Directed by David Wittkower, winner of over 27 film festival awards, Guardians is his most intense film yet. To be broadcast nationally this winter on PBS. Running time is: 56:00

Meet & Greet the Director/Producer/Cinematographer David Wittkower at 1:00 pm in the Author's Corner - Captain's Nautical Supplies Inc. Booth 631.  Copies of Guardians of the Gates: The Surfboats will be available for purchase.

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada recently completed a Safety Issues Investigation into Fishing Safety (SII). The investigation identified 10 key safety issues. This presentation will provide a more in-depth explanation of how these issues are interconnected and how coordinated action is required to address the issues along with steps that the TSB thinks will make fishing safer.
 
The Safest Catch Program delivered by Fish Safe in British Columbia is a successful example of a tool that can be used to address fishing safety issues.  Over 200 vessels participated in the first 2 years of this voluntary program. Fishermen are trained as Safety Advisors to work with fishermen on their vessels to design a Fishing Vessel specific Safety Management System. This includes: safety equipment orientation, emergency drills, safety procedures manual and log. Safest Catch Advisors will be on hand to share their inspiring stories on how this program has saved lives. A video presentation on how the program is delivered on board will also be featured.

Presented by:  Transportation Safety Board of Canada and Fish Safe BC 

Meet three women, who in their own ways are promoting and educating people about the Commercial Fishing Life.   Become inspired by what is being done, gather some new ideas for your port and share with others.  Meet Lori French, from the Faces of California Fishing, Jen Karuza Schile, author of the new book for fishing wives everywhere, "Captain of Her Crew: The Commercial Fishing Mom's Guide to Navigating Life at Home" and the fishing family blog "Highliners and Homecomings", and Robin Blue, from the blog The Fishing Blues. We guarantee a good time or Lori will give you chocolate when you leave.