ATLANTIC CITY — Proposed federal legislation would require mandatory safety inspections of all commercial fishing boats and training for vessel operators.
The bill, already approved by voice vote in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, but awaiting a signature from President Barack Obama, also includes stricter safety standards for smaller fishing vessels.
"It's still going to be a hazardous occupation, but this will make it safer. This will help," said U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., a sponsor of the bill.
Bruno Freitas, chief of staff and legislative director for Frank, said Obama has said he will sign the bill. Frank has been pushing the bill since 2006 in response to fishing deaths off the New England coast, primarily from the Port of New Bedford.
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