The Department of Marine Resources (DMR), Commercial Fishing Safety Council (CFSC) meeting was held on October 27, 2005 at the Department of Human Services, Central Offices, Conference Room 442 Civic Center Drive, Augusta, Maine. CFSC members attending this meeting included: L. Blair Pyne, Kris Boehmer, Carey Gregor, Vincent Balzano, James Simonitsch, Yvette Alexander, Gary Anderson, Ann Backus, via conference call. Linda Trumbell, visitor, USCG, Kevin Plowman and DMR, Col. Joe Fessenden and Major Fetterman
1. Old Business - Approval of Minutes (June 16, 2005) & September 8, 2005)
Motion: (B. Pyne, C.Gregor) Unanimous. Motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on June 16, 2005, as written.
Motion: (A. Backus, Jim Simonitsch) Unanimous. Motion to approve the minutes of the meeting held on September 8, 2005.
2. Review of Diner Tender Course:
Review of Rob’s report. Discussion on having the next class on December 2 and 3. Council approved of August class to allow date for Zone 1 diver/tenders.
3. Delivery Mechanism of Safety Course for Apprentice Program
J. Fessenden – mentioned that Bob Baines had sent e-mail with regard to finding out more about the Lobster Plate Fund to see if $20,000 or $30,000 could be available to fund this safety training. It was mentioned to the Lobster Advisory Council. The representatives of this Lobster Research, Education and Development Board are as follows:
Maine Lobstermen’s Association, Downeast Lobstermen’s Association, Southern Maine Lobsterman’s Association, Lobster Import-Export Dealers Association, Lobster Pound Owners Association, Lobster Processor’s Association, Lobster Promotion Council, Lobster Advisory Council and Lobster Institute.
K. Plowman commented that people don’t take the existing drill conductors course because it costs too much money. What if it was presented without tuition?
Y. Alexander - $150 isn’t too much to pay for a drill conductor’s course. AFM is looking for grants.
K. Plowman – Drill course applies to all federal permit holders.
J. Fessenden – 1,500 lobster permits. Need to tie to lobster apprentice program. – the law does allow for the apprentices to pay a fee.
J. Simonitsch – Possibly consider including science into the safety training
B. Pyne – Focus should be on lobster apprentices. Discussion on fee structure.
Y. Alexander – Suggest a council member to present to Lobster Plate council to gain support for money.
C. Gregor – Looking a course development vs. existing non-copy righted courses.
J. Simonitsch – Will we have time to formulate a lobster apprentice program in time for the forum.
J Fessenden – No problem.
B. Pyne – Kevin and John to e-mail sample program to council (add Science)
J. Fessenden – Proposed should not be this session, but look towards next. Propose all new licenses be tied to a safety course.
J. Fetterman – Delivery mechanism.
B. Pyne – Use of high schools?
J. Simonitsch – Motion to focus on safety/not science- Use program that is USCG approved
K. Boehmer, seconded, all in favor, unanimous
K. Plowman – USCG is a certified program with certified instructors
Y. Alexander – The plate fund could be used – have a grant tuition program – or have a percentage of the total tuition paid.
J. Fessenden – Approach plate council with program and sell commission on the use of the fund to provide tuition grants. Will provide names of the Lobster Plate Council to the CFSC to lobby support.
K. Boehmer – Agree to go with 9 hour drill conductors course.
J. Fetterman and G. Anderson discussed oversight concerns
K. Plowman – Repeated that USCG has oversight of the course and instructors.
C. Gregor – Keep in private sector. Should have more USCG monitoring of instructors.
J. Fessenden – Student license holders must meet same educational requirements as apprentices (recent law change)
G. Anderson – Require boating basics course before obtaining student license. Also wants the state to certify instructors.
B. Pyne – Would DMR contact vendors and explore interest in providing the course.
J. Fessenden – Will look into.
K. Plowman – Will send a list of vendors
G. Anderson – Debated I state mandates course which is USCG training then the state must assure quality control.
K. Plowman & K. Boehmer – rebutted that USCG certifies course and instructors. USCG can pull certification if they find out course is not being presented properly.
J. Fessenden – noted this is a national course. Has been in place for years and recognized. Monitoring by state is not reasonable.
J. Simonitsch – Comparative analysis to Driver’s Ed Classes. Does require state oversight.
J. Fessenden – compared to CPR Card.
K. Plowman – proposed that lobster plate fund pay to monitor the program.
G. Anderson – Will not endorse or sign onto any program which is mandated by the state which is not monitored by the state. Compared this to recreational hunter/safety program.
J. Fessenden – Asked Gary to provide monitoring guidelines
B. Pyne – Agreed with monitoring of this program.
J. Fessenden – Will draft rule language which would include monitoring. Willing to have MPO’s monitor classes
K. Boehmer – Lt’s get proposed language for monitoring.
K. Plowman – USCG requires course completion and it does not expire.
J. Fessenden – will identify monitoring of classes will be a responsibility of DMR. MPO’s or contractor.
G. Anderson – State money for tuition will require state control.
4. Forum Discussion
Council requested a slot – Joe will check with David.
Y. Alexander – Committee will hold a slot for CFSC – will not be Thursday, probably Friday or Saturday.
B. Pyne – Will it be a round table discussion?
J. Fessenden – Suggested it be one of the Public Hearings dealing with the safety component for apprentices. Confirm to Yvette that this issue will need only one session.
B. Pyne – this might require 2 meetings between now and the forum.
John Fetterman and Ann Backus will work on Matrix by next meeting.
K. Plowman – talked about Frankie Thompson incident
J. Fessenden – expanded – had spoken with Frankie – he had 70 traps @ 27 knots, hit ledge and went down in less than 2 minute – called local fisherman and got off boat just as boat went down. Traps all moved forward and crushed the wheel house.
K. Boehmer – Gave update on John McMillan health – John is doing well.
Next meeting is scheduled for January 12 th and try for another meeting on February 16 th. Cathy will confirm dates, time and locations soon.
