I am a commercial small boat fisherman and have twenty five years experience
crossing the Tillamook bar in small, fast boats. The following are my comments
on the proposed regulations.
1) The proposed regulations severely damage the small boat fleet. They
basically destroy the viability of these operations. The boats need to work when
the weather lets them.
2) The proposed regulations make me less safe. I only cross the bar when I
feel it is safe for going out and returning. Large storms move sand in and around
my crabpots, therefore this makes it hard to pull the pot off the bottom of the
ocean. So, when the weather subsides I need to tend my pots or they become
stuck. Pulling a tacky pot takes more time and is difficult for small boats.
3) Being forced to sell my boat,which is paid for, and buying a larger boat
creates boat payments. This creates more need to cross more difficult bars.
4) Speed and experience is very important when crossing the bar and you
choose to ignore these. Why?
5) Your report has examples of recent boats sinking on our bars. Had all of
these fatalities been wearing life jackets, many of these people would be alive.
The Coast Guard tower is close. It has an excellent view of boats crossing during
daylight hours and provides help quickly. Quick enough to rescue you if you are
wearing a life jacket. I always wear a lifejacket and feel comfortable crossing the
bar.
Related Comments
Total: 3
Eric Leonard Olson Public SubmissionPosted: 06/26/2009
ID: USCG-2008-1017-0102
Jun 30,2009 11:59 PM ET
Doug Creasy Public SubmissionPosted: 06/26/2009
ID: USCG-2008-1017-0103
Jun 30,2009 11:59 PM ET
Kim Creasy Public SubmissionPosted: 06/26/2009
ID: USCG-2008-1017-0104
Doug Creasy
This is comment on Notice
Regulated Navigation Areas: Bars Along the Coasts of Oregon and Washington (*Federal Register Pyublication)
View Comment
Related Comments
Public Submission Posted: 06/26/2009 ID: USCG-2008-1017-0102
Jun 30,2009 11:59 PM ET
Public Submission Posted: 06/26/2009 ID: USCG-2008-1017-0103
Jun 30,2009 11:59 PM ET
Public Submission Posted: 06/26/2009 ID: USCG-2008-1017-0104
Jun 30,2009 11:59 PM ET