Pvoa Advisory

From: Julianne Curry, PVOA To: Petersburg Vessel Owners Date: Fri, Aug 28, 2009 at 3:21 PM Subject: Fishing Gear Transportation Update PVOA Members, Friends, Media, and Others: A public information session was held recently with Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Bill Walden with the Department of Transportation (DOT) in Petersburg. The DOT is here in an "education period" to inform various commercial enterprises (such as commercial and charter fishing and other commercial ventures) that transportation of fishing gear and equipment is subject to State and Federal regulations we are currently unaware of. These regulations have been in effect for at least a decade but haven't been enforced until recently. Enforcement has been to numerous Alaskan towns, and I have been assured that this is not a one-time visit. Enforcement officers visiting in the future will issue citations that can total over $1,000 for failure to comply. SUMMARY OF REGULATIONS: A commercial vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio (GVWR) of over 10,000 lbs and is a vehicle used in furtherance of commerce. The GVWR can be found on the manufacturers sticker. If your vehicle and/or load is over 8' 6" wide or 15" tall, you must obtain a wide load permit regardless of private or commercial use of vehicle. If your vehicle and/or load is less than 10' 6" wide, the permit form can be found online and uses your "myAlaska" account, https://myalaska.state.ak.us/home/app. The permit has expiration periods of three days to one year and the cost ranges from $35 to $550. Vehicle must be clearly marked with 'wide load' sign and flashing light attached to roof. If your vehicle and/or load is under 8' 6" wide and under 15" tall and has a GVWR of under 10,000 lbs. you are not required to obtain a permit or follow any further requirements. If your vehicle and/or load is over 10' 6" wide, you must call the DOT office for a one-time use permit through DOT customer service at 907-365-1200. KEEP PERMIT(S) IN YOUR VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES. If the GVWR is over 10,000 lbs, you are required to comply with the following regulations: Register your vehicle with the DOT & display company name: Obtain a DOT number for your vehicle, and display your company name on the right and left side of your vehicle. Federal Department of Transportation Vehicle Registry/DOT Number website: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/forms/r-l/MCS-150-Instructions-andForm.pdf

Obtain a medical examiner certificate: You must have a physical examination by a medical professional and keep certificate in your possession at all times. Certificate is typically good for two years. Emergency Equipment: Vehicle must be equipped with 5 lb. AB fire extinguisher, flares (burn for 30 minutes in three separate locations) or reflective triangles. If your vehicle uses fuses instead of circuit breakers must have spare fuses. Vehicle Safety Inspection: Vehicle and/or trailer must be inspected annually by a certified mechanic, DOT officer, or otherwise certified individual. CDL Requirements: You are not required to have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) if you are hauling less than 26,000 lbs GVWR unless any combination of vehicles where the towing vehicle is 26,000 lbs. or less and the towed vehicle has a GVWR of 10,000 lbs or less but together have a combined GVWR of over 26,000 you must have a Class C CDL. NOTE this rule applies to Alaska, Federal requirements are different. EXISTING LAWS THAT SHOULD BE FOLLOWED: Keep your drivers license, insurance, paperwork etc. with you/in your vehicle at all times. Anyone in a moving vehicle must wear a seatbelt. Your vehicle/trailer must have working brake lights, blinkers, and tail lights. **NOTE** This is my interpretation of the regulations as explained to me. To be sure you are in full compliance, please contact DOT customer service at 907-3651200. WHAT CAN WE DO? These are Federal regulations adopted by the State of Alaska. Currently, the Federal regulations contain an exemption for the farming industry that we may be able to follow at the State level. It isn't clear at this point if legislation is needed to exempt fishing operations, but if legislation is needed, please take the time to contact your Alaska representatives and let them know how and why this is an issue for you. Stay in contact with organizations working on this issue, and pass information on to others. CONTACTS: Representative Bert Steadman [email protected] Toll-Free: 877-463-3873 Representative Peggy Wilson [email protected] Toll-Free: 800-686-3824 Representative Bill Thomas [email protected] Toll-Free: 888-461-3732

For more information, visit the following websites: State of Alaska Department of Transportation, measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Regulations http://dot.alaska.gov/mscve/webdocs/17AAC25.pdf Federal Department of Transportation Vehicle Registry/DOT Number http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/documents/forms/r-l/MCS-150-Instructions-andForm.pdf Traffic Offense Bail Schedule http://www.state.ak.us/courts/aklegal.htm#traffic A HUGE THANK YOU TO PETERSBURG MARINE ADVISORY PROGRAM AGENT SUNNY RICE FOR FACILITATING THE PUBLIC SESSION! Happy fishing, Julianne Curry Petersburg Vessel Owners Association PO Box 232 Petersburg, AK 99833 Phone & Fax 907.772.9323 www.pvoaonline.org [email protected]