Lifejackets for Lobstermen will be visiting Gloucester from July 16-19. In the podcast below, Rebecca Weil, Research Coordinator for the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety, explains the Lifejackets for Lobstermen campaign, its origin, research, and availability to the lobstermen of coastal New England.
Two vans will be visiting Gloucester and Manchesterbythesea demonstrating 11 different models of life jackets that will be available for commercial lobstermen for 50% off the retail price for limited time.
Podcast with Rebecca Weil, Research Coordinator
Lobster fishing deaths accounted for the highest number of occupational fatalities in East Coast fisheries from 2010-2014. Most of these deaths were related to falls overboard (50%) or vessel disasters (30%) and, based on fatality report narratives, none of the recovered victims was wearing a life jacket.
Researchers at the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety: Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (NEC) have been working with lobstermen in Massachusetts and Maine over the past few years to understand why life jacket use has been relatively uncommon among fishermen in this fishery sector. Feedback from the community has pointed to a number of barriers to life jacket use that the NEC and their partners (Fishing Partnership Support Services, Maine Lobstermen’s Association, Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association, McMillian Offshore Survival Training and the Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen’s Association) are addressing.
Two life jacket vans will drive to ports in Massachusetts and Maine and provide life jacket options at a one-time discount and will allow fishermen to try them on, get information about the various options available and learn about additional technology that can improve fishermen’s chances of recovery and survival in the event of a fall overboard.
In addition to improving access to affordable life jackets, the campaign seeks to make the process of getting and using life jackets, a positive, fun experience. The Lifejackets for Lobstermen campaign is really more than just a mobile van that carries life jackets–it’s about bringing the community together to celebrate and support a very important segment of coastal economies.
Over the next few months, the NEC and its partners hope to make life jacket use the norm in the lobster fishing community. As Captain Mark Ring, in Gloucester, MA said, “They are bringing safety to the fleet, one boat at a time”.
If the van campaign proves successful, NEC researchers plan to work with local partners, community members, retailers, and fishing groups to develop a transition plan that will ensure the sustainability of the program through local ownership.
This is your last chance for a 50% discount on lifejackets at the Lifejacket Vans in Massachusetts; the discount is available to commercial lobstermen and commercial fishermen with a lobster bycatch license. Below is a list of remaining Massachusetts locations and FAQ. Call with any questions 607-221-4448. https://www.facebook.com/ LifejacketsforLobstermen
Remaining Massachusetts locations:10am to late afternoon (to check on end time on a specific day, call 607-422-7527).
Monday 7/8: Hull, 10am, Allerton Town Dock
Tuesday 7/9: Hingham, 10am Hingham Shipyard Marina
Wednesday 7/10: Hingham, 10am, Hingham Shipyard Marina
Thursday 7/11: Manchester, 10am,Masconomo State Park
Friday 7/12: Manchester, 10am, Masconomo State Park
Monday 7/15: Manchester, 10am, Masconomo State Park
Tuesday7/16: Gloucester, 10am Location pending
Wednesday 7/17: Gloucester, 10am Location pending
Thursday 7/18: Gloucester, 10am Location pending
Friday 7/19: Gloucester, 10am, Location pending
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Lifejacket for Lobstermen Project?
We have been working with commercial lobstermen to find out what lifejackets they can wear while working; to be prepared for those unexpected events like falls overboard, which account for the majority of lobster fishing fatalities.
What are the Lifejacket Vans?
Two Lifejacket Vans are visiting over 40 ports in Maine and Massachusetts over the course of eight months; offering the ability to compare popular life saving devices side by side, and the chance for commercial lobstermen to purchase these at a 50% discount.
How can I find the vans or ask questions?
Locations will be frequently posted on our FB page: https://www.facebook. com/LifejacketsforLobstermen. You can also contact us at 607-221-4448 or lifejacketproject@bassett.org
What are in the vans?
We have 11 different models of lifejackets and buoyancy aids available in the vans, with different wear types, buoyancy, and certifications. All the models have been chosen based on feedback from commercial lobstermen who trialed flotation devices and found them to be the most comfortable and workable.
Who can buy lifejackets at the van?
We are able to sell in person to commercial lobstermen, and commercial fishermen with a bycatch lobster license, with the 50% discount.
Everyone is welcome to try on the different models and learn more about them.
What age do you have to be to purchase?
Ages 18+ may purchase lifejackets from the van. Ages 16-17 may purchase a device from the van with parental signature. Captains may buy for crew, but cannot serve as a substitute for parental permission.
Why are you only selling to commercial lobstermen or fishermen with lobster bycatch license?
Commercial lobstermen in the Northeast have the highest rates of fatalities from falls overboard. If the project is successful, we hope local organizations or marine suppliers will continue the program and offer it to a wider range of fishermen.
Why are you selling USCG approved devices as well as non-USCG approved devices?
The purpose of this project is to find out what lobstermen can actually wear regularly and work in easily. Every boat should already have USCG approved lifejackets onboard, but generally fishermen are not wearing them. We are selling lifejackets that lobstermen have identified as being work-friendly, and the vans give fishermen the opportunity to compare different devices side by side, finding what works best for them.
How much do the lifejackets cost?
The lifejackets range from $38 – $240 retail; and with our 50% discount, prices range from $19 – $120.
How do I pay for the lifejacket?
We can accept cash or credit/debit cards. We cannot accept checks. All sales are final; no returns, no exchanges.
How much is Sales Tax for PFDs?
5.5% will be charged for Massachusetts. If you have a tax exempt form/number, please bring it to the vans. It must be written on your receipt for tax to be waived.
Northeast Center Lifejackets for Lobstermen
