Commercial fishing is still the most dangerous job in the nation. Knowledge is power and potential survival, so every mariner can learn from reading the seventh edition of “Beating the Odds: A Guide to Commercial Fishing Safety, by Susan Clark Jensen and Jerry Dzugan of the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association. The new edition updates information on survival equipment, such as how to efficiently put on an immersion suit; specific duties during an emergency, such as how to make a distress call; and first aid, including specific examples of casualties. Other chapters discuss vessel safety, reading the weather, handling fishing gear safely, fatigue, hydration, nutrition and other essential safety skills. You may order the book and download it at seagrant.uaf.edu/bookstore/pubs/MAB-41.html. However, no one book can completely cover all the dangers of commercial fishing. Another good reference is the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners Association Vessel Safety Manual. Fishermen should also understand the Fishing Vessel Safety Act. Boost your chances of success and update your knowledge of safety and survival skills.
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