Cdfu Advisory

From: CDFU, Rochelle van den Broek Date: July 17, 2009 To: Rochelle van den Broek Subject: DOT crackdown in Cordova Hi everyone, Following several citations issued to fellow fishermen this week, Jerry and I were able to track down the DOT officers here in town. We met with them this afternoon to clarify vehicle requirements for commercial use, and to figure out how we can address this bureaucratic nightmare. A vehicle is considered commercial if it is used for business related transport. Vehicles that are towing commercial fishing vessels fall into this category as putting the fishing vessel on and off a trailer, and moving it from location to location is considered part of a commercial fisherman's business - it is supporting the intent of their commercial operation. Additionally, a vehicle is classified as commercial if it weighs over 10,000 lbs (gross vehicle weight – truck, or combination of truck, boat and vehicle etc.). REQUIREMENTS If you're a using a vehicle to tow your commercial fishing boat or trailer (according to federal regulations 49CFR), RIGHT NOW, YOU NEED THE FOLLOWING: 1. USDOT #. You can get this by visiting http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ Click on USDOT Number or Operating Authority (under Registration & Licensing) Click on Online Registration & Licensing System Follow the online form, step by step. Need help? Contact 1-800-832-5660 * The USDOT# is interchangeable between multiple vehicles - make sure you get them listed when filling out the form! * You'll need to choose a "Company Name" – can be anything you choose. 2. Medical Card DOT specific physical. Depending on your health, may only need to do one once every 2 years. 3. Motor Inspection Your vehicle & trailer will need to be inspected by a DOT approved inspector periodically (determined on individual basis). (Apparently there is one in Cordova as the local contracting companies have vehicles that are certified locally). If you alternate between vehicles for towing your boat/trailer you will need all vehicles inspected. Documentation proving your periodic inspection must be kept in the USDOT# registered vehicle. 4. Shipping papers for Hazmat

If you are hauling fuel etc. you will need DOT papers certifying your cargo. The fuel on your boat is not classified as hazardous for this purpose, only hazardous materials in the vehicle you are using to tow. If you are carrying hazmat, you'll need to display a placard issued with your shipping papers. 5. Lights You need working brake lights and blinkers on the trailer. Due to sea salt and conditions you may need to purchase removable ones and take them off when the trailer is submerged. 6. Oversize permit Anything over 8' 6" wide or 15' tall needs an oversize permit, obtainable from the DOT. 7. Brake permit All vessels under 18,000 lbs (combined vehicle, trailer and vessel weight) require a brake permit. 8. Warning devices You need flares or triangles for emergency purposes in the registered USDOT# vehicle. Flares located in the boat you are towing are not considered acceptable for this requirement. 9. Fire extinguisher You need a fire extinguisher for emergency purposes in the registered USDOT# vehicle. An extinguisher located in the boat you are towing is not considered acceptable for this requirement. 10. Commercial Drivers License (CDL) There are specific classes of CDL's you'll need depending on the cumulative weight of your vehicle, trailer and boat. Under 26,001 lbs combo weight (vehicle, trailer & boat) you'll need a Class A CDL. 11. Vehicles Marked The vehicle used for commercial use (towing your boat and trailer) will need to be marked with your "Company name" (see USDOT#). Additionally, you'll need to mark any vehicles registered and used for your business with your USDOT#. WHAT IS CDFU DOING ABOUT THIS? Obviously these are cumbersome, costly and bureaucratic processes. Understandable for regions where heavy driving, highway driving, long distances etc. are undertaken. Here in Cordova, where the longest distance a boat is towed is 6.5 miles, these requirements are ridiculous.

CDFU will work with Representative Thomas during the next session to work on legislation to exempt commercial fishing vessels from these requirements in rural areas. Unfortunately, if we are lucky enough to secure an exemption of this kind, it likely won't go into effect until 2010. You will still be required to comply with some of the above regulations (i.e brake lights etc.). An exemption of this kind will be difficult to achieve but you can bet your life we're going to try our best. The DOT officers will be in town for several more days, and will be cracking down on more violations - stay off the roads with your trailers/boats if you can. They may be back sporadically from time to time, checking in but were not able to give me specific dates in the future. Once we get more organized on this issue at CDFU, we'll try and put together some packets of everything you need (similar to USCG packets). Stay under the radar, Rochelle Rochelle van den Broek Executive Director Cordova District Fishermen United P.O. Box 939 :: 509 First Street :: Cordova, Alaska 99574 Ph: 1 (907) 424 3447 :: Fax: 1(907) 424 3430 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.cdfu.org CORDOVA DISTRICT FISHERMEN UNITED – Protecting the commercial fishermen of Prince William Sound Since 1935