Two years after hosting a safety forum for local fishermen, Rep. Barney Frank announced the House has passed a Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill containing safety improvements for the industry.
The bill, which passed Friday by a vote of 385-11, creates a fishing safety training grant program, calls for federally funded research to improve fishing safety technology and updates requirements for onboard safety drills and equipment. In addition, the bill sets new safety standards for smaller vessels.
"Fishing is a dangerous business, but there is a lot that can be done to minimize the hazards faced by fishermen," Frank, D-Mass., said in a press release. "This bill makes safety training and research a high priority, and it provides the resources necessary to make a difference."