Welcome to the First Southern Region Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety and Operation Safe Catch program. The Commercial Fishing Industry is the most hazardous occupation resulting in the highest fatalities on the water. In support of Coast Guard efforts to improve Commercial Fishing Vessel (CFVS) Safety, the Auxiliary is offering specialized training within the CFV program educating members in becoming qualified CFV examiners (CFVE). Those qualified as CFV examiners will conduct CFV exams dockside, by inspecting both the vessel, and safety equipment carried on board. CFVE's provide local knowledge, and familiarization within the fishing areas and harbors. Just like the Auxiliary's VSC program dedicated to recreational boats, participation is voluntary and there is no penalty if a vessel fails the exam. CFVE's are seen as coaches, and educators not as law enforcement officers. Our primary objective is to ensure that the vessel we examine returns to their homeport safely.

A companion to the CFV safety check program is the "Dockwalker" program. Initially a pilot effort developed by us in the First Southern Region, this program provides members who may not have the time or interest to train for the specialized work of vessel inspectors the opportunity to act as dockside public affairs officers via the VSC/MDV programs. Dockwalkers provide critical information materials to fishing vessel crews. They are frequently the first point of contact with the fishermen and are able to encourage the voluntary dockside exam.