West Coast Groundfish Observer Program Manual, Part2 - NOAA

CHAPTER 8
latch doors and passageways, and look out for
low overheads in vessel stairwells and watertight
doors.
• Beware of trawl cables under strain, they have
given way and have maimed and killed
fishermen. Whenever a cable is subjected to
tension, stand out of the way of backlash. If the
Observer sampling station is on deck, stop
working while a trawl is being set or retrieved
and go to a safe place.
• Explain to the crew that codend and/or
bin/trawl alley measurements will need to be
done once the winches have stopped. Ask for
advice on a safe place to stand. When nets are
being hoisted off the deck, stand clear. Heavy
nets have fallen near Observers when the
suspending cables parted.
• Watch for moving pots and face the direction of
the pot launcher while working. Stay away from
the buoy line when the crew is launching pots.
Crewmen have been caught in a loop, or the
“bite,” of the line and pulled overboard.
• Wear eye protection on longliners whenever
near the moving hooks.
• Use a gaff to collect fish to protect your hands
and keep your body further away from the line.
8-10 1/30/2004