New Bedford, Massachusetts - After city officials learned federal monies awarded to New Bedford for the Fishermen’s Safety Training Program had been fully expended, the New Bedford Harbor Development Commission came forward with the necessary funds to support the next round of safety training to continue the critical program.  Since its establishment in 2005, the Fishermen’s Safety Training Program has taught more than 850 enrollees essential safety procedures including firefighting, emergency communications, damage control, life raft use, emergency flares, immersion suit use, and helicopter hoist procedures.
 
Mayor Scott W. Lang said the decision to fund the safety training was a simple one, “On more than one occasion, I have heard survival stories from fisherman who credit this program with their safe return.  The safety of the men and women who work in the fishing industry is of paramount importance.  This program has been highly effective in improving their safety at sea and we’re going to do everything we can to ensure that it continues.”  Mayor Lang said that Congressman Barney Frank is working to secure a permanent federal funding source to support future sessions of the Fishermen’s Safety Training Program. 
State Representative Antonio Cabral has been working to secure support at the state level. “Federal studies have ranked fishing as one of the three most dangerous jobs in America.  Today, I moved to seek state funds for the Fishermen’s Safety Training Program.  After having observed a portion of the program this morning, we must ensure that this program continues,” Representative Cabral stated.
 
New Directions Southcoast, Inc. spearheads the program in partnership with the University of Massachusetts School for Marine Science and Technology Center, where the training is conducted.  The U.S. Coast Guard has supplied much of the equipment used during the training sessions and will conduct a helicopter rescue demonstration on site. 

In addition to the broad range of safety and survival techniques, a new segment of training will be included that teaches fishermen how to respond to a “man overboard” emergency.  To emphasize the importance of being well equipped while at sea, Kristin Decas, Executive Director of the Harbor Development Commission (HDC), said the HDC sponsored a top of the line survival suit that was raffled to participants. 

More than forty fishermen participated in the training session today, and dozens more are registered to participate in future training sessions.  Anyone interested in contributing to this worthy program should contact New Directions at (508) 979-1616.

Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)

View all articles by Elizabeth Treadup (Mayor's Office)