Coast Guard steps up enforcement of drifting vessels


June 18, 2008 · Updated 4:49 PM 

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The U.S. Coast Guard is stepping up enforcement of rules prohibiting fishermen from allowing their vessels to drift while the entire crew sleeps.

Rule 5 of the International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea states, “Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper look-out by sight and hearing as well as by all available means appropriate in the prevailing circumstances and conditions so as to make a full appraisal of the situation and of the risk of collision.”

The maximum fine for violating the look-out rule is $6,500.

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