Fish Safe receives Transport Canada Funding for Collision Avoidance

Fish Safe is pleased to announce that it has been selected as a recipient for funding under Transport Canada’s Boating Safety Contribution Program, Small Vessel Safety component for a one-year period ending March 31, 2022.  With a focus on increasing the safety of small commercial fishing vessels that regularly interact with larger ships, this project is designed to reach commercial fishermen where they work, on board their vessels, at the wharf and in their communities.

Read the official Transport Canada project announcement here.

As large vessel traffic increases in both vessel size and voyage frequency, Transport Canada and Fish Safe recognize the need to ensure commercial fishermen are adequately prepared to manage the risk of potential collision.  Shared waterways including increasingly busy ports in both Vancouver and Prince Rupert and river systems such as the Fraser River require vessel operators to demonstrate a complete understanding of the ‘rules of the road’.

As an industry-funded safety organization, Fish Safe works with commercial fishermen throughout the province via programs like the Safest Catch, a vessel-based workshop that helps prepare fishermen to manage risks and emergencies while at sea.  With an increased focus on safe navigation, Transport Canada’s funding will allow Fish Safe to reach a greater number of fishermen via the Safest Catch and to expand outreach at wharves throughout BC with practical education centered on increasing knowledge and awareness of relevant topics including the vessel collision regulations, local navigation risks, managing the risk of fatigue, utilizing electronic aids to navigation and the like.

Additionally, increased outreach and travel to fishermen residing in indigenous coastal communities throughout Vancouver Island and in more remote Central and North Coast locations like Bella Bella, Hartley Bay, Bella Coola and Metlakatla will be afforded via this special project, of course as local circumstances dictate within the context of COVID-19. 

Ultimately, the goal of every fisherman is to make a living while ensuring a safe return home.  Safe navigation and practical management of risk in a changing marine environment is a fundamental part of crystalizing that objective.  Fish Safe therefore, is excited and appreciative of Transport Canada’s support for this project as we work with fishermen throughout the province helping to ensure their safety goals can become an enduring reality.