2019 Observer Logbook

NMFS Observer Programs' Information That Can Be Gathered Only Through Questions

21. 2019 Observer Logbook

WCGOP: West Coast Groundfish Observer Programs: Catch Share and Non-Catch Shares

OMB: 0648-0593

⚠️ Notice: This form may be outdated. More recent filings and information on OMB 0648-0593 can be found here:

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Download: pdf | pdf

Logbook No.: ______________

West Coast Groundfish
Observer Program
Observer Logbook
Name:_______________________________________________________________________

Time period: __________________________________________________________________

This logbook is to be used to record all details of your deployment. Take a few minutes to look
at each section to familiarize yourself with the format. Each section has instructions on what
information to include and how to record it. Please refer to your sampling manual for more
detailed instructions, such as documenting a suspected violation.
Always date your entries so that the chronology of events can be traced in each section.
Your logbook is a valuable document. Please make the effort to maintain it, and keep it
in a safe place.

All entries must be made in blue or black ink.

WCGOP Observer Logbook v. 2019

Table of Contents
WCGOP Contact Information ........................................................................................................... 3
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) ...................................................................................................... 4
List of Vessels ................................................................................................................................... 5
Vessel Safety ..................................................................................................................................... 9
WCGOP Vessel Safety Checklist Instructions .............................................................................. 10
Vessel Safety Checklist ................................................................................................................. 13
Vessel Safety Checklist.................................................................................................................. 15
Vessel Safety Checklist ................................................................................................................. 17
Vessel Safety Checklist ................................................................................................................. 19
Vessel Safety Checklist.................................................................................................................. 21
Vessel Safety Checklist ................................................................................................................. 23
Observer Safety Survey .................................................................................................................. 25
Observer Safety Survey ............................................................................................................... 26
Observer Safety Survey .............................................................................................................. 27
Observer Safety Survey .............................................................................................................. 28
Observer Safety Survey ............................................................................................................... 29
Observer Safety Survey .............................................................................................................. 30
Equipment Test Checklist ............................................................................................................... 31
Hand Scale Test Record .................................................................................................................. 33
Vessel Diagrams .............................................................................................................................. 35
Vessel and Sampling Area Diagram .............................................................................................. 36
Trawl Net Identification Key ........................................................................................................... 37
Conventional Trawl Net vs. Selective Flatfish Trawl (Pineapple) ................................................ 38
Vessel and Sampling Area Diagram.............................................................................................. 39
Vessel and Sampling Area Diagram.............................................................................................. 40
Vessel and Sampling Area Diagram.............................................................................................. 41
Vessel and Sampling Area Diagram.............................................................................................. 42
Vessel and Sampling Area Diagram ............................................................................................. 43
Vessel and Sampling Area Diagram ............................................................................................. 44
Communication Log ........................................................................................................................ 45
Photo Log ......................................................................................................................................... 46
Daily Notes Pages ........................................................................................................................... 47

WCGOP Contact Information
WCGOP database website: https://nwcoa3.nwfsc.noaa.gov/obsprod/logon.display
Non-catch share observer call-in number: 206.444.4268
Washington Field Office
Northwest Fisheries Science Center
2725 Montlake Blvd. East
Seattle, WA 98112
Fax (206) 860-3394

Kate Guthrie
Debriefer
w: 206.860.3476
e: Kate.Guthrie@noaa.gov

Jon McVeigh
Program Manager
c: 206.327.2851
w: 206.302.2423
e: Jon.McVeigh@noaa.gov

Neil Riley
Data Manager
w: 206.861.7607
e: Neil.Riley@noaa.gov

Newport Field Office
Hatfield Marine Science Center
2032 SE OSU Dr.
Newport, OR 97365
Fax (541) 867-0505

Christa Colway
Debriefer/Training Coordinator
c: 206.437.2349
w: 541.867.0520
e: Christa.Colway@noaa.gov

Eric Brasseur
Gear Technician
c: 757.897.9651
w: 541.867.0509
e: Ebrasseur@psmfc.org

Jen Cramer
Debriefer
c: 503.791.2706
w: 541.867.0561

Jason Eibner
Debriefer
c: 541.961.1321
w: 541.867.0517
e: Jason.Eibner@noaa.gov

Scott Leach
WA/OR Coordinator
c: 541.366.8080
w: 541.351.8250
e: Scott.Leach@noaa.gov

Toby Mitchell
Debriefer
c: 541.961.5428
w: 541.867.0514
e: Toby.Mitchell@noaa.gov

Ryan Shama
Lead Debriefer
c: 206.437.1629
w: 541.867.0538
e: Ryan.Shama@noaa.gov

Chris Matthews
Email Administrator
w: (503) 595-3100
e: cmatthews@psmfc.org

Astoria Field Office
Point Adams Research Station
520 Heceta Place (PO Box 155)
Hammond, OR 97121-0155
Fax: (503) 861-2589

Phillip Bizzell
Debriefer
c: 503.298.8152
w:503.994.5058
e: Phillip.Bizzell@noaa.gov

Taylor Howe
Debriefer
c: 303.907.2340
w: 503.861.1818 ext.130
e: Taylor.Howe@noaa.gov

Crescent City Field Office
445 Elk Valley Rd
#12
Crescent City, CA 95531

John Bieraugel
Debriefer
c: 707.218.7390
w 707.440.9155
e: John.Bieraugel@noaa.gov

Eureka Field Office
427 “F” St. Suite 218
Eureka, CA 95501

John LaFargue
CA Coordinator
c: 530.604.7386
w: 707.443.3228
e: John.Lafargue@noaa.gov

Tim Peretti
Debriefer
c: 707.845.0077
w: 707.443.1884
e:Timothy.Peretti@noaa.gov

Morro Bay Field Office
1187 Main Street
Morro Bay, CA 93442

Eli Coplen
Debriefer
c: 805.400.7992
w: 805.772.1131
e: Eli.Coplen@noaa.gov

Jason Vestre
Debriefer
c: 805.305.8757
w: 805.772.1132
e: Jason.Vestre@noaa.gov

e: Jennifer.Cramer@noaa.gov

To reach any of the NMFS Coordinators, call toll-free 1-866-780-8064
NOAA SASH Helpline: 1-866-288-6558; Website & Online Chat: http://NOAASASHHelpline.org; Text: (202) 335-0265
3

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
The PRA requires federal agencies to obtain clearance
in order to ask questions of members of the public. All
questions asked by west coast groundfish observers
have been approved under OMB Control No. 0648-0593
through 10/31/2018. Under the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) and
implementing regulations, vessels are required to answer
any question related to observer and vessel safety. However,
vessels are not required to answer any other question asked
by the observer. Vessel’s willingness to answer all questions
asked by observers is voluntary and this willingness is
appreciated as it will ensure observer data collected on the
vessel can be used in future analyzes.
The observer program can be contacted toll free at:
(866) 780-8064 or by the program's email address at
NWFSC.observerprogram@noaa.gov if anyone has any
questions.
A “Paperwork Reduction Act Information” sheet is mailed
to all selected vessels for observer coverage and is included
with their selection letter.

Paperwork Reduction Act Information
Information collected through the observer program is
used to: (1) monitor catch and bycatch; (2) understand the
population status and trends of fish stocks and protected
species, as well as the interactions between them; (3)
determine the quantity and distribution of net benefits
derived from living marine resources; (4) predict the
biological, ecological, and economic impacts of existing
management actions and proposed management options;
and (5) ensure that the observer programs can safely and
efficiently collect the information required for the previous
four uses. In particular, these biological and economic
data collection programs contribute to legally mandated
analyses required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the Endangered
Species Act (ESA), the Marine Mammal Protection Act
(MMPA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),

the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), Executive Order 12866
(EO 12866), and other applicable law.
Most of the information collected by observers is obtained
through "direct observation by an employee or agent
of the sponsoring agency or through non-standardized
oral communication in connection with such direct
observations". Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)
regulations at 5 C.F.R. 1320.3(h)(3), facts or opinions
obtained through such observations and communications
are not considered to be "information" subject to the
PRA. The public reporting burden for responding to the
questions that observers ask and that are subject to the
PRA is estimated to average 34 minutes per trip, including
the time for hearing and understanding the questions,
searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining
the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. Send comments regarding this
burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection
of information, including suggestions for reducing this
burden, to: West Coast Groundfish Observer Program, 2725
Montlake Blvd. East, Seattle, WA 98112.
Providing information related to observer and vessel
safety is mandatory under regulations at 50 C.F.R. 600.746.
However, all other requested information is voluntary.
Although you are under no legal obligation to answer
non-safety related observer questions, we would appreciate
your support as it ensures observer data can be used for its
intended purpose. The information collected will be kept
confidential as required under Section 402(b) of the MSA
(18 U.S.C. 1881a(b)) and regulations at 50 C.F.R. Part 600,
Subpart E. Notwithstanding any other provision of the law,
no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be
subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of
information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork
Reduction Act, unless that collection of information
displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

List of Vessels
List in chronological order the following information for each of the vessels you were assigned to during this deployment.
List each vessel once and list the embark and disembark dates for each trip.

Vessel name & USCG# or State Reg#:
Master/Captain name:
Embark & Disembark date(s):

Vessel Safety
Prior to boarding a vessel for the first time, you are required
to check the vessel for safety equipment required by U.S.
Coast Guard regulations. Check the major safety items
identified below. Please be aware that certain items on the
safety checklist may not be required for vessels of certain
sizes or operating in certain geographic areas. For further
information, refer to the US Coast Guard publication
"Federal Requirements for Commercial Fishing Industry
Vessels" or contact your coordinator.
Write thorough comments on any items that are
unavailable, expired, unsafe, or you feel are not adequate.

Advise your NMFS coordinator of any unsafe situations. Do
not leave on a vessel that you do not feel is safe. Items listed
below may not necessarily deem a vessel safe. Hydrostatic
releases are good for two years from installation date.
Equipment expires midnight of the last day of the month
listed. Ex. A hydrostatic release marked 11/2018 expires
midnight Nov 30, 2018. Do not leave on a vessel if any piece
of equipment will expire during the trip. Each trip, verify
that the safety gear remains on the vessel and is in working
order. Mail, fax, or email this form to your coordinator
prior to leaving on the first trip.

Float-free arrangement:
Life raft in the alternate
float-free arrangement

Hydrostatic release set-up:
The hydrostatic release must be
current, hooked up properly
and the expiration date marked

WCGOP Vessel Safety Checklist Instructions
Depending upon the vessel length, the area of operation
and number of crew, the safety equipment required under
USCG regulations will vary. For details, be sure to refer
to the "Federal Requirements for Commercial Fishing
Industry Vessels" pamphlet. After referring to the pamphlet,
if you still have questions contact your lead observer or
coordinator.

• Service due sticker expiration date: Record the repack
date. The expiration date is the last day of the month
displayed.

Commercial Fishing Vessel
Safety Examination Decal

• Life raft Equipment? Circle either SOLAS A, SOLAS B,
Coastal, PA, PB, or Ocean Service.

• Record the Vessel Name and USCG/State Registration
number. These are available in the WCGOP Database
and should be confirmed during the vessel safety check.

• Write notes to the left in the margin if it's labeled as
Ocean Service (SOLAS A equivalent) or Limited Service
(SOLAS B equivalent).

• Look for a current USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel
Safety Examination decal. These decals are valid for two
years from the last day of the month issued. Currently
there are two versions of the decal in circulation, those
with an expiration date and those with an issue date.
This date is indicated with the hole punched. Mark on
the checklist the exact marks from the decal including
documented/undocumented, location, year and month.
Also record the decal number.

Immersion Suits/PFDs

• Confirm that the vessel only plans to operate in the area
marked on the decal.
• Is the Decal Valid? Circle Yes or No.

• Hydrostatic release/weak link expiration date: Record
the expiration date of the hydrostatic release/weak link.
The weak link expiration date is for float free life-rafts
only. The hydrostatic release is good for 2 years from
installation date.

• Immersion Suits on-board? Circle Yes, No, or N/A. Not
including the observers.
• Is there one for each person on-board? Circle Yes or No.
Observers should have their own immersion suit issued
by WCGOP.
• Location(s): Document where the immersion suits are
stowed.
• Is there a PFD for each person on-board? Circle Yes or
No. Observers should have their own PFD issued by
WCGOP.

Life Rafts

• Location(s): Document where the PFDs are stowed.

• Circle either Inflatable, Buoyant apparatus, None, or
N/A. If N/A draw a line though the rest of this section.

Fire Extinguishers

• Total Capacity: Fill in the box with the number of
people the liferaft can accommodate.
• Total number of people on-board: Fill in the box with
total number of people on-board the vessel, including
yourself. Be sure to confirm how many vessel personnel
will be on the trip including last minute friends/family
members.
• Life raft/s able to float free? Circle Yes or No. In an
emergency situation, would the raft float free of the
rigging and equipment? The cradle of a float free raft
needs to be bolted or attached to the vessel. The raft
should not be attached to the cradle, but the painter line
needs to be attached to the vessel with a weak link in
between the painter line and the attachment.
10

• Present: Circle Yes or No. Document the total number.
• Extinguishers in serviceable condition? Circle Yes
or No. Extinguishers with gauges need to have
gauges registering in the green to be considered
serviceable. Extinguishers without gauges, such as CO2
extinguishers, should be considered serviceable if they
appear to be in good shape and good working order.
No dents, severe rust, broken valves, or cracked hoses
should be present.
• Location(s): Record the locations of all fire
extinguishers. Use note section on the back of the safety
checklist if necessary. Make sure you remember their
location and how to remove them from their bracket in
case of an emergency.

Flares
• Location(s): Record where flares are stowed on-board.
• Handheld: Record the number and expiration dates of
handheld flares on-board.
• Parachute: Record the number and expiration dates of
parachute flares on-board.
• Smoke: Record the number and expiration dates of
smoke flares on-board.

• Alphanumeric code on sticker matches code on EPIRB?
Circle Yes or No. If No, contact your coordinator.
• Battery expiration date(s): Record the battery expiration
dates. The battery expires on the last day of the month
displayed.
• Hydrostatic releases date: Record the hydrostatic release
date. The hydrostatic releases are good for two years
from the installation date.

• Remember that expired flares cannot be stored in the
same container as unexpired flares.

• NOAA registration sticker expiration date: Record
the expiration date, month/day/year. If the EPIRB
registration sticker has expired an observer can not
depart on that vessel until the EPIRB registration
form has been filled out either on-line, or a hard copy
has been faxed or mailed to the SARSAT Office. See
instructions in manual for details on how to assist vessel
owner in registering an EPIRB.

Type IV Throwable PFDs

Additional Safety Checks

• Type: circle: ring, cushion, or lifesling.
• Easily Accessible? Circle Yes or No.

• First Aid Materials present? Circle Yes or No. Record
location stowed.

• How many are on the vessel? Record number of
throwable PFDs.

• Who on-board, other than yourself, is currently
certified for CPR/First Aid? Record name and position.

• Location(s): Record location(s) of throwable PFDs. Be
sure to note their locations and how to access them
from your sampling area in a man overboard situation.

• Number of working radios: Record the number and
type (CB, VHF, SSB) of working radios. Be aware of
which radios actually work and which ones don't. Look
for an "emergency button" which automatically takes
you to the emergency channel for that type of radio.

• Meteor: Record the number and expiration dates of
meteor flares on-board.
• Flares expire on the last day of the month listed as the
expiration date.

• Document any other signaling devices on board.

EPIRB
• Visually inspect EPIRBs. Leave all handling and testing
to the crew. If an EPIRB is accidentally activated,
notify the USCG on VHF Channel 16 immediately.
Be prepared to give them the vessel’s name, and
approximate location.
• Present: Circle Yes, No or N/A. If N/A draw a line
though the rest of this section.
• Located in a float free location? Circle Yes, No, or N/A.
Only Type I EPIRBs need to be mounted in a float free
location. Type II EPIRBs only need to be accessible.
Observer EPIRBs do not qualify as a vessel’s EPIRB.
• Registered to the vessel? Circle Yes or No. The vessel
name on the sticker must match the vessel it is on. If
No, contact your coordinator.
• Signal tested? Circle Yes or No. Have the captain/crew
test if possible or ask to see the log of the monthly tests.

• Watertight doors/hatches work properly? Circle Yes,
No, N/A. If no, include comments in notes. Watertight
doors and hatches should open, close, and seal.
• Did you see the bilge pumps? Circle Yes, No, or N/A. If
No, include comments in notes.
• Hatches/passageways unobstructed? Circle Yes or
No. If No, include comments in notes. Hatches and
passageways should be free of clutter or gear that could
shift and obstruct passage openings.
• Did you hear the general/high water alarm? Circle Yes
or No. If No, include comments in notes.
• Is there adequate means of escape? Does the vessel have
adequate means of escape from your quarters? Circle
Yes or No. If No, include comments in notes.
• Is there an anchor present? Circle Yes or No. Does it
have chain attached to it? If No, include comments in
notes.
• Is there a station Bill posted? Circle Yes or No.
11

• Was a wheel watch arranged? Circle Yes or No. If No,
include comments in notes. Observers are not allowed
to leave on a vessel if a proper wheel watch is not
maintained.
• Charts and compass present? Circle Yes, No, or N/A.
If No, include comments in notes. Charts can be
electronic or paper.
• Were you given Emergency directions? Circle Yes or
No and record what they were. Did the skipper ensure
that you were given, a safety orientation? If not, ask the
skipper to do so.

Notes Section
Additional comments/concerns: Additional comments
about items not mentioned above should be documented in
the notes section, including, but not limited to, the quality
of the bin boards, excess water in the bilge or lazarette,
the amount of gear/clutter on deck, lack of anchor chain,
unsafe bunk situations or any other safety issues warranting
documentation.

Vessel Safety Checklist
All highlighted equipment and safety topics must be checked off before you leave port.
Do not deploy if any are not verified or current.
Vessel name:
USCG/State registration#:

Life Rafts
o Inflatables

Decal Verification

o Buoyant apparatus o None

Total capacity:

o N/A

Complete the above sticker as it

Total # people on board:

Life raft able to float free? o Yes

appears on the vessel. Be sure the following fields are checked:

o No

Service sticker expiration date*:

o Documented

o Expiration month

o Locations

o Expiration year

Hydrostatic release expiration **:
Life raft equipment?
o PA

o PB

o SOLAS A o SOLAS B o Coastal

Is the decal valid?

o Yes

o No

o Ocean Service

Immersion Suits
On board?

Flares

o Yes

o No

One for each person? o Yes

o No

Required (unless inside 3 miles); 6 handheld, 3 Parachute, 3 Smoke

o N/A

Location(s):

Location:

Handheld: how many:
Parachute: how many:

Exp. date*:

PFD for each person? o Yes

Smoke: how many:

Exp. date*:

Location:

Meteor: how many:

Exp. date*:

Fire Extinguishers

Type IV Throwable

Present?

o Yes

o No

Serviceable?

o Yes

o No

How many?

o Ring

Location:

Exp. date*:

o Cushion

o Lifesling

Easily accessible?

o Yes

o No

Number:

Location(s):

Other signaling devices:

EPIRBS
Present? o Yes o No o N/A In float-free location? o Yes o No Registered to this vessel? o Yes o No Signal tested? o Yes o No
Decal’s alphanumeric code matches EPIRB code?

o Yes o No Location(s):

Battery exp. date*:

Hydrostatic release exp. date*:

NOAA registration sticker:

Exp. date:

Additional Checks
First aid materials present? o Yes

o No Location:

Who besides you is CPR Certified? (Name & position):
Working radios: how many?

Type:

Digital selective calling (DSC) enabled radio present? o Yes

o No

DSC registered and radio interfaced with GPS? o Yes

o No

Watertight doors/hatches working properly?

o Yes

o No

Is there an anchor present?

o Yes

o No

Did you see the bilge pumps?

o Yes

o No

Is there a Station Bill posted?

o Yes

o No

Hatches/passageways unobstructed?

o Yes

o No

Was a wheel watch arranged?

o Yes

o No

Did you hear the general/high water alarms?

o Yes

o No

Charts and compass present?

o Yes

o No

Is there adequate means of escape?

o Yes

o No

Were you given emergency directions?

o Yes

o No

What were the emergency instructions?
Observer signature:
Date:

Print:
* Expires the last day of the month displayed. ** Hydrostatic releases are valid for two years from installation date.

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 exp. 10/31/2018

Completed Vessel Safety Checklist
After completing the checklist, sign the form, print your name and date it. Email, text, or fax a copy of the checklist and all
associated notes to your provider (CS) or coordinator (NCS). If you have any safety questions or concerns, please contact
the following coordinators:

John LaFargue, CA Coordinator
427 F Street #217
Eureka CA 95501
Office: 707.443.3228
Cell: 530.604.7386
Email: John.LaFargue@noaa.gov

Scott Leach, WA/OR Coordinator
Hatfield Marine Science Center
2032 SE OSU Dr
Newport OR 97365
Fax: 541.867.0505
Office: 541.351.8250
Cell: 541.366.8080
Email: Scott.Leach@noaa.gov

Notes

Vessel Safety Checklist
All highlighted equipment and safety topics must be checked off before you leave port.
Do not deploy if any are not verified or current.
Vessel name:
USCG/State registration#:

Life Rafts
o Inflatables

Decal Verification

o Buoyant apparatus o None

Total capacity:

o N/A

Complete the above sticker as it

Total # people on board:

Life raft able to float free? o Yes

appears on the vessel. Be sure the following fields are checked:

o No

Service sticker expiration date*:

o Documented

o Expiration month

o Locations

o Expiration year

Hydrostatic release expiration **:
Life raft equipment?
o PA

o PB

o SOLAS A o SOLAS B o Coastal

Is the decal valid?

o Yes

o No

o Ocean Service

Immersion Suits
On board?

Flares

o Yes

o No

One for each person? o Yes

o No

Required (unless inside 3 miles); 6 handheld, 3 Parachute, 3 Smoke

o N/A

Location(s):

Location:

Handheld: how many:
Parachute: how many:

Exp. date*:

PFD for each person? o Yes

Smoke: how many:

Exp. date*:

Location:

Meteor: how many:

Exp. date*:

Fire Extinguishers

Type IV Throwable

Present?

o Yes

o No

Serviceable?

o Yes

o No

How many?

o Ring

Location:

Exp. date*:

o Cushion

o Lifesling

Easily accessible?

o Yes

o No

Number:

Location(s):

Other signaling devices:

EPIRBS
Present? o Yes o No o N/A In float-free location? o Yes o No Registered to this vessel? o Yes o No Signal tested? o Yes o No
Decal’s alphanumeric code matches EPIRB code?

o Yes o No Location(s):

Battery exp. date*:

Hydrostatic release exp. date*:

NOAA registration sticker:

Exp. date:

Additional Checks
First aid materials present? o Yes

o No Location:

Who besides you is CPR Certified? (Name & position):
Working radios: how many?

Type:

Digital selective calling (DSC) enabled radio present? o Yes

o No

DSC registered and radio interfaced with GPS? o Yes

o No

Watertight doors/hatches working properly?

o Yes

o No

Is there an anchor present?

o Yes

o No

Did you see the bilge pumps?

o Yes

o No

Is there a Station Bill posted?

o Yes

o No

Hatches/passageways unobstructed?

o Yes

o No

Was a wheel watch arranged?

o Yes

o No

Did you hear the general/high water alarms?

o Yes

o No

Charts and compass present?

o Yes

o No

Is there adequate means of escape?

o Yes

o No

Were you given emergency directions?

o Yes

o No

What were the emergency instructions?
Observer signature:
Date:

Print:
* Expires the last day of the month displayed. ** Hydrostatic releases are valid for two years from installation date.

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 exp. 10/31/2018

John LaFargue, CA Coordinator
427 F Street #217
Eureka CA 95501
Office: 707.443.3228
Cell: 530.604.7386
Email: John.LaFargue@noaa.gov

Scott Leach, WA/OR Coordinator
Hatfield Marine Science Center
2032 SE OSU Dr
Newport OR 97365
Fax: 541.867.0505
Office: 541.351.8250
Cell: 541.366.8080
Email: Scott.Leach@noaa.gov

Notes

Vessel Safety Checklist
All highlighted equipment and safety topics must be checked off before you leave port.
Do not deploy if any are not verified or current.
Vessel name:
USCG/State registration#:

Life Rafts
o Inflatables

Decal Verification

o Buoyant apparatus o None

Total capacity:

o N/A

Complete the above sticker as it

Total # people on board:

Life raft able to float free? o Yes

appears on the vessel. Be sure the following fields are checked:

o No

Service sticker expiration date*:

o Documented

o Expiration month

o Locations

o Expiration year

Hydrostatic release expiration **:
Life raft equipment?
o PA

o PB

o SOLAS A o SOLAS B o Coastal

Is the decal valid?

o Yes

o No

o Ocean Service

Immersion Suits
On board?

Flares

o Yes

o No

One for each person? o Yes

o No

Required (unless inside 3 miles); 6 handheld, 3 Parachute, 3 Smoke

o N/A

Location(s):

Location:

Handheld: how many:
Parachute: how many:

Exp. date*:

PFD for each person? o Yes

Smoke: how many:

Exp. date*:

Location:

Meteor: how many:

Exp. date*:

Fire Extinguishers

Type IV Throwable

Present?

o Yes

o No

Serviceable?

o Yes

o No

How many?

o Ring

Location:

Exp. date*:

o Cushion

o Lifesling

Easily accessible?

o Yes

o No

Number:

Location(s):

Other signaling devices:

EPIRBS
Present? o Yes o No o N/A In float-free location? o Yes o No Registered to this vessel? o Yes o No Signal tested? o Yes o No
Decal’s alphanumeric code matches EPIRB code?

o Yes o No Location(s):

Battery exp. date*:

Hydrostatic release exp. date*:

NOAA registration sticker:

Exp. date:

Additional Checks
First aid materials present? o Yes

o No Location:

Who besides you is CPR Certified? (Name & position):
Working radios: how many?

Type:

Digital selective calling (DSC) enabled radio present? o Yes

o No

DSC registered and radio interfaced with GPS? o Yes

o No

Watertight doors/hatches working properly?

o Yes

o No

Is there an anchor present?

o Yes

o No

Did you see the bilge pumps?

o Yes

o No

Is there a Station Bill posted?

o Yes

o No

Hatches/passageways unobstructed?

o Yes

o No

Was a wheel watch arranged?

o Yes

o No

Did you hear the general/high water alarms?

o Yes

o No

Charts and compass present?

o Yes

o No

Is there adequate means of escape?

o Yes

o No

Were you given emergency directions?

o Yes

o No

What were the emergency instructions?
Observer signature:
Date:

Print:
* Expires the last day of the month displayed. ** Hydrostatic releases are valid for two years from installation date.

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 exp. 10/31/2018

John LaFargue, CA Coordinator
427 F Street #217
Eureka CA 95501
Office: 707.443.3228
Cell: 530.604.7386
Email: John.LaFargue@noaa.gov

Scott Leach, WA/OR Coordinator
Hatfield Marine Science Center
2032 SE OSU Dr
Newport OR 97365
Fax: 541.867.0505
Office: 541.351.8250
Cell: 541.366.8080
Email: Scott.Leach@noaa.gov

Notes

Vessel Safety Checklist
All highlighted equipment and safety topics must be checked off before you leave port.
Do not deploy if any are not verified or current.
Vessel name:
USCG/State registration#:

Life Rafts
o Inflatables

Decal Verification

o Buoyant apparatus o None

Total capacity:

o N/A

Complete the above sticker as it

Total # people on board:

Life raft able to float free? o Yes

appears on the vessel. Be sure the following fields are checked:

o No

Service sticker expiration date*:

o Documented

o Expiration month

o Locations

o Expiration year

Hydrostatic release expiration **:
Life raft equipment?
o PA

o PB

o SOLAS A o SOLAS B o Coastal

Is the decal valid?

o Yes

o No

o Ocean Service

Immersion Suits
On board?

Flares

o Yes

o No

One for each person? o Yes

o No

Required (unless inside 3 miles); 6 handheld, 3 Parachute, 3 Smoke

o N/A

Location(s):

Location:

Handheld: how many:
Parachute: how many:

Exp. date*:

PFD for each person? o Yes

Smoke: how many:

Exp. date*:

Location:

Meteor: how many:

Exp. date*:

Fire Extinguishers

Type IV Throwable

Present?

o Yes

o No

Serviceable?

o Yes

o No

How many?

o Ring

Location:

Exp. date*:

o Cushion

o Lifesling

Easily accessible?

o Yes

o No

Number:

Location(s):

Other signaling devices:

EPIRBS
Present? o Yes o No o N/A In float-free location? o Yes o No Registered to this vessel? o Yes o No Signal tested? o Yes o No
Decal’s alphanumeric code matches EPIRB code?

o Yes o No Location(s):

Battery exp. date*:

Hydrostatic release exp. date*:

NOAA registration sticker:

Exp. date:

Additional Checks
First aid materials present? o Yes

o No Location:

Who besides you is CPR Certified? (Name & position):
Working radios: how many?

Type:

Digital selective calling (DSC) enabled radio present? o Yes

o No

DSC registered and radio interfaced with GPS? o Yes

o No

Watertight doors/hatches working properly?

o Yes

o No

Is there an anchor present?

o Yes

o No

Did you see the bilge pumps?

o Yes

o No

Is there a Station Bill posted?

o Yes

o No

Hatches/passageways unobstructed?

o Yes

o No

Was a wheel watch arranged?

o Yes

o No

Did you hear the general/high water alarms?

o Yes

o No

Charts and compass present?

o Yes

o No

Is there adequate means of escape?

o Yes

o No

Were you given emergency directions?

o Yes

o No

What were the emergency instructions?
Observer signature:
Date:

Print:
* Expires the last day of the month displayed. ** Hydrostatic releases are valid for two years from installation date.

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 exp. 10/31/2018

John LaFargue, CA Coordinator
427 F Street #217
Eureka CA 95501
Office: 707.443.3228
Cell: 530.604.7386
Email: John.LaFargue@noaa.gov

Scott Leach, WA/OR Coordinator
Hatfield Marine Science Center
2032 SE OSU Dr
Newport OR 97365
Fax: 541.867.0505
Office: 541.351.8250
Cell: 541.366.8080
Email: Scott.Leach@noaa.gov

Notes

Vessel Safety Checklist
All highlighted equipment and safety topics must be checked off before you leave port.
Do not deploy if any are not verified or current.
Vessel name:
USCG/State registration#:

Life Rafts
o Inflatables

Decal Verification

o Buoyant apparatus o None

Total capacity:

o N/A

Complete the above sticker as it

Total # people on board:

Life raft able to float free? o Yes

appears on the vessel. Be sure the following fields are checked:

o No

Service sticker expiration date*:

o Documented

o Expiration month

o Locations

o Expiration year

Hydrostatic release expiration **:
Life raft equipment?
o PA

o PB

o SOLAS A o SOLAS B o Coastal

Is the decal valid?

o Yes

o No

o Ocean Service

Immersion Suits
On board?

Flares

o Yes

o No

One for each person? o Yes

o No

Required (unless inside 3 miles); 6 handheld, 3 Parachute, 3 Smoke

o N/A

Location(s):

Location:

Handheld: how many:
Parachute: how many:

Exp. date*:

PFD for each person? o Yes

Smoke: how many:

Exp. date*:

Location:

Meteor: how many:

Exp. date*:

Fire Extinguishers

Type IV Throwable

Present?

o Yes

o No

Serviceable?

o Yes

o No

How many?

o Ring

Location:

Exp. date*:

o Cushion

o Lifesling

Easily accessible?

o Yes

o No

Number:

Location(s):

Other signaling devices:

EPIRBS
Present? o Yes o No o N/A In float-free location? o Yes o No Registered to this vessel? o Yes o No Signal tested? o Yes o No
Decal’s alphanumeric code matches EPIRB code?

o Yes o No Location(s):

Battery exp. date*:

Hydrostatic release exp. date*:

NOAA registration sticker:

Exp. date:

Additional Checks
First aid materials present? o Yes

o No Location:

Who besides you is CPR Certified? (Name & position):
Working radios: how many?

Type:

Digital selective calling (DSC) enabled radio present? o Yes

o No

DSC registered and radio interfaced with GPS? o Yes

o No

Watertight doors/hatches working properly?

o Yes

o No

Is there an anchor present?

o Yes

o No

Did you see the bilge pumps?

o Yes

o No

Is there a Station Bill posted?

o Yes

o No

Hatches/passageways unobstructed?

o Yes

o No

Was a wheel watch arranged?

o Yes

o No

Did you hear the general/high water alarms?

o Yes

o No

Charts and compass present?

o Yes

o No

Is there adequate means of escape?

o Yes

o No

Were you given emergency directions?

o Yes

o No

What were the emergency instructions?
Observer signature:
Date:

Print:
* Expires the last day of the month displayed. ** Hydrostatic releases are valid for two years from installation date.

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 exp. 10/31/2018

John LaFargue, CA Coordinator
427 F Street #217
Eureka CA 95501
Office: 707.443.3228
Cell: 530.604.7386
Email: John.LaFargue@noaa.gov

Scott Leach, WA/OR Coordinator
Hatfield Marine Science Center
2032 SE OSU Dr
Newport OR 97365
Fax: 541.867.0505
Office: 541.351.8250
Cell: 541.366.8080
Email: Scott.Leach@noaa.gov

Notes

Vessel Safety Checklist
All highlighted equipment and safety topics must be checked off before you leave port.
Do not deploy if any are not verified or current.
Vessel name:
USCG/State registration#:

Life Rafts
o Inflatables

Decal Verification

o Buoyant apparatus o None

Total capacity:

o N/A

Complete the above sticker as it

Total # people on board:

Life raft able to float free? o Yes

appears on the vessel. Be sure the following fields are checked:

o No

Service sticker expiration date*:

o Documented

o Expiration month

o Locations

o Expiration year

Hydrostatic release expiration **:
Life raft equipment?
o PA

o PB

o SOLAS A o SOLAS B o Coastal

Is the decal valid?

o Yes

o No

o Ocean Service

Immersion Suits
On board?

Flares

o Yes

o No

One for each person? o Yes

o No

Required (unless inside 3 miles); 6 handheld, 3 Parachute, 3 Smoke

o N/A

Location(s):

Location:

Handheld: how many:
Parachute: how many:

Exp. date*:

PFD for each person? o Yes

Smoke: how many:

Exp. date*:

Location:

Meteor: how many:

Exp. date*:

Fire Extinguishers

Type IV Throwable

Present?

o Yes

o No

Serviceable?

o Yes

o No

How many?

o Ring

Location:

Exp. date*:

o Cushion

o Lifesling

Easily accessible?

o Yes

o No

Number:

Location(s):

Other signaling devices:

EPIRBS
Present? o Yes o No o N/A In float-free location? o Yes o No Registered to this vessel? o Yes o No Signal tested? o Yes o No
Decal’s alphanumeric code matches EPIRB code?

o Yes o No Location(s):

Battery exp. date*:

Hydrostatic release exp. date*:

NOAA registration sticker:

Exp. date:

Additional Checks
First aid materials present? o Yes

o No Location:

Who besides you is CPR Certified? (Name & position):
Working radios: how many?

Type:

Digital selective calling (DSC) enabled radio present? o Yes

o No

DSC registered and radio interfaced with GPS? o Yes

o No

Watertight doors/hatches working properly?

o Yes

o No

Is there an anchor present?

o Yes

o No

Did you see the bilge pumps?

o Yes

o No

Is there a Station Bill posted?

o Yes

o No

Hatches/passageways unobstructed?

o Yes

o No

Was a wheel watch arranged?

o Yes

o No

Did you hear the general/high water alarms?

o Yes

o No

Charts and compass present?

o Yes

o No

Is there adequate means of escape?

o Yes

o No

Were you given emergency directions?

o Yes

o No

What were the emergency instructions?
Observer signature:
Date:

Print:
* Expires the last day of the month displayed. ** Hydrostatic releases are valid for two years from installation date.

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 exp. 10/31/2018

John LaFargue, CA Coordinator
427 F Street #217
Eureka CA 95501
Office: 707.443.3228
Cell: 530.604.7386
Email: John.LaFargue@noaa.gov

Scott Leach, WA/OR Coordinator
Hatfield Marine Science Center
2032 SE OSU Dr
Newport OR 97365
Fax: 541.867.0505
Office: 541.351.8250
Cell: 541.366.8080
Email: Scott.Leach@noaa.gov

Notes

Observer Safety Survey
Observer name:
Vessel:

Date:
USCG/State#:

Fishery:
Home port:

Please complete the following checklist for each vessel observed in the trip limit period. Please be specific in the
descriptions. The debriefer will review this checklist during the debriefing interview and will inform the coordinator of any
areas of concern.
Were you able to locate all required safety equipment? o Yes o No If no, please explain:

Were you given a safety orientation?

o Yes o No If yes, by who?

Were you ever left on board alone?

o Yes o No If yes, why and for how long?

Were any emergency drills conducted? o Yes o No If yes, which ones?
Were alcohol and/or drugs used by vessel personnel to a degree that you felt your safety was compromised? o Yes o No
Please provide observations including incident date(s):

Did you observe any of the following?
No problems or accidents occurred

Fire

Boarding refusal by an observer

Fuel leak

Vessel refusal of an observer

Parting cables

Person overboard

Hung up doors

Collision or grounding

Lack of proper wheel watch

Vessel flooding

Vessel incursion into a closed area

Loss of steering control

Observer sampling interference

Loss of electrical or engine power

Situation involving a potential conflict of interest

Vessel personnel injury or loss of life

MARPOL violation(s)

Observer injury or illness

Other regulatory violation (explain below)

Please further explain any checked boxes, providing date(s) on which the incident occurred.
_
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Were there any conditions aboard this vessel that have not been previously noted and that may have affected your safety
and well being? o Yes o No
If yes, please explain:
Did you experience harassment, intimidation or bribery on or off the vessel?
If yes, please explain:

o Yes o No

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 exp. 10/31/2018

Observer Safety Survey
Observer name:
Vessel:

Date:
USCG/State#:

Fishery:
Home port:

Were you given a safety orientation?

o Yes o No If yes, by who?

Were you ever left on board alone?

o Yes o No If yes, why and for how long?

Did you observe any of the following?
No problems or accidents occurred

Fire

Boarding refusal by an observer

Fuel leak

Vessel refusal of an observer

Parting cables

Person overboard

Hung up doors

Collision or grounding

Lack of proper wheel watch

Vessel flooding

Vessel incursion into a closed area

Loss of steering control

Observer sampling interference

Loss of electrical or engine power

Situation involving a potential conflict of interest

Vessel personnel injury or loss of life

MARPOL violation(s)

Observer injury or illness

Other regulatory violation (explain below)

Please further explain any checked boxes, providing date(s) on which the incident occurred.
___ ___
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Were there any conditions aboard this vessel that have not been previously noted and that may have affected your safety
and well being? o Yes o No
If yes, please explain:
Did you experience harassment, intimidation or bribery on or off the vessel?
If yes, please explain:

o Yes o No

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 exp. 10/31/2018

Observer Safety Survey
Observer name:
Vessel:

Date:
USCG/State#:

Fishery:
Home port:

Were you given a safety orientation?

o Yes o No If yes, by who?

Were you ever left on board alone?

o Yes o No If yes, why and for how long?

Did you observe any of the following?
No problems or accidents occurred

Fire

Boarding refusal by an observer

Fuel leak

Vessel refusal of an observer

Parting cables

Person overboard

Hung up doors

Collision or grounding

Lack of proper wheel watch

Vessel flooding

Vessel incursion into a closed area

Loss of steering control

Observer sampling interference

Loss of electrical or engine power

Situation involving a potential conflict of interest

Vessel personnel injury or loss of life

MARPOL violation(s)

Observer injury or illness

Other regulatory violation (explain below)

Please further explain any checked boxes, providing date(s) on which the incident occurred.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Were there any conditions aboard this vessel that have not been previously noted and that may have affected your safety
and well being? o Yes o No
If yes, please explain:
Did you experience harassment, intimidation or bribery on or off the vessel?
If yes, please explain:

o Yes o No

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 exp. 10/31/2018

Observer Safety Survey
Observer name:
Vessel:

Date:
USCG/State#:

Fishery:
Home port:

Were you given a safety orientation?

o Yes o No If yes, by who?

Were you ever left on board alone?

o Yes o No If yes, why and for how long?

Did you observe any of the following?
No problems or accidents occurred

Fire

Boarding refusal by an observer

Fuel leak

Vessel refusal of an observer

Parting cables

Person overboard

Hung up doors

Collision or grounding

Lack of proper wheel watch

Vessel flooding

Vessel incursion into a closed area

Loss of steering control

Observer sampling interference

Loss of electrical or engine power

Situation involving a potential conflict of interest

Vessel personnel injury or loss of life

MARPOL violation(s)

Observer injury or illness

Other regulatory violation (explain below)

Please further explain any checked boxes, providing date(s) on which the incident occurred.

o Yes o No

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 exp. 10/31/2018

Observer Safety Survey
Observer name:
Vessel:

Date:
USCG/State#:

Fishery:
Home port:

Were you given a safety orientation?

o Yes o No If yes, by who?

Were you ever left on board alone?

o Yes o No If yes, why and for how long?

Did you observe any of the following?
No problems or accidents occurred

Fire

Boarding refusal by an observer

Fuel leak

Vessel refusal of an observer

Parting cables

Person overboard

Hung up doors

Collision or grounding

Lack of proper wheel watch

Vessel flooding

Vessel incursion into a closed area

Loss of steering control

Observer sampling interference

Loss of electrical or engine power

Situation involving a potential conflict of interest

Vessel personnel injury or loss of life

MARPOL violation(s)

Observer injury or illness

Other regulatory violation (explain below)

Please further explain any checked boxes, providing date(s) on which the incident occurred.

o Yes o No

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 exp. 10/31/2018

Observer Safety Survey
Observer name:
Vessel:

Date:
USCG/State#:

Fishery:
Home port:

Were you given a safety orientation?

o Yes o No If yes, by who?

Were you ever left on board alone?

o Yes o No If yes, why and for how long?

Did you observe any of the following?
No problems or accidents occurred

Fire

Boarding refusal by an observer

Fuel leak

Vessel refusal of an observer

Parting cables

Person overboard

Hung up doors

Collision or grounding

Lack of proper wheel watch

Vessel flooding

Vessel incursion into a closed area

Loss of steering control

Observer sampling interference

Loss of electrical or engine power

Situation involving a potential conflict of interest

Vessel personnel injury or loss of life

MARPOL violation(s)

Observer injury or illness

Other regulatory violation (explain below)

Please further explain any checked boxes, providing date(s) on which the incident occurred.

o Yes o No

OMB Control No. 0648-0593 exp. 10/31/2018

Equipment Test Checklist
Observers should maintain program-issued safety equipment on a monthly basis to ensure it’s working properly. If any
item does not pass the examination, notify the gear coordinator or your debriefer immediately so it may be replaced. Check
your equipment a minimum of once per month. Check off only those items that pass.
Inspection date #1:

406 EPIRBs

Inspection date #2:

o
o
o
o
o

PLB
No physical damage? (cracking, corrosion, etc.)

Tested PLB?
Battery expiration date?
Registration expiration date?
No antennae damage? (bent, poor rotation, etc.)

o
o
o
o

No physical damage? (cracking corrosion, etc.)
Tested EPIRB?
Battery expiration date?
Registration expiration date?
No antennae damage? (cracks, washer at base)

Comments

Exp. date:
Exp. date:

Beacon ID: __________________________________

Exp. date:
Exp. date:

Beacon ID: __________________________________________

Immersion Suit
No rips/tears/holes in Neoprene?
Seam thread and inner seal glue intact?
No grease/oil stains/ mildew?
Zipper seams in good condition?
Zipper waxed? (if necessary)
Strobe attached securely?
Strobe tested?
Whistle securely attached?
Whistle tested?

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Inflatable PFD
No rips/tears/holes?
Seams in good condition?
Straps and clips in good condition?
Strobe attached securely?
Strobe tested?
CO2 indicator green?
Hydrostatic release date current?
Complete manual inflation test?

Comments

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Exp. date:
Test date:

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Workvest PFD

No mildew?
No foam shrinkage?
No foam water-logging?
No rips/tears/holes?
Seams in good condition?
Straps and clips in good condition?
Strobe attached securely?
Strobe tested?

Marel Scale Inspection
Check all parts of scale for cleanliness. All parts should be free of mud and scales. If dirt is dried on, soak scale in tub for
20 min and scrub with a brush or sponge. (Use on a sponge on face plate) Rinse with a garden hose or shower.

Scale serial number:
Clean and rinsed inside and out?
Cables: no holes, appear secure?
No debris under load cells?
Weight pan straight?
Battery tube threads cleaned and lubed?
Buttons function correctly?
Rust removed?
Display lights all working?
No condensation in face plate?
Current 90 day overload test?

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Test date:

Hand Scale Test Record
Instructions: Please consult the manual and refer to any recent policy updates to determine if your scale tests should be
logged. Test hand scales every fifth observed day when used or once a month when stored. Consult the chart and use the
appropriate weight standard to verify your scales are weighing correctly. Record weight to one decimal place. Scales that
are outside of accepted variance are not suitable for use, please contact your coordinator or debriefer immediately. Please
indicate units as XX.X.
Scale
6lb. spring
10lb. spring
25lb. spring
50lb. spring

Scale Type
6lb. spring

Test wght 1
2.0lb

Test Weights
2lb.
2lb.
2lb.
5lb.

Actual wght
Value 1
2.0lb

Allowed Variances
+/- 0.1
+/- 0.1
+/- 0.1
+/- 0.25

Variance 1
0

Test wght 2
5.0lb

Test Weight 2
5lb.
5lb.
5lb.
5lb.+2lb.

Actual wght
Value 2
4.9lb

Allowed Variance
+/- 0.25
+/- 0.25
+/- 0.25
+/- 0.35

Variance 2
.1lb

Date
10/21/17

This page left blank intentionally.

Vessel Diagrams
Vessel diagrams are important pieces of information and
should be done for each vessel observed. These diagrams
help detail the layout of the vessel and help debriefers better
understand your sampling conditions while on-board. It is
especially important to thoroughly document any vessels
and gear types that are not typically observed. Diagrams
should be large, detailed and well labeled. Please use blue or
black ink. The following are suggestions of items to include:

Trawl
• An overall diagram of the trawl deck and deck
equipment, such as winches, wire, hatches, etc.
• The location of trawl alley, scuppers, bins, etc.
• Flow of fish, where sample is taken, sorted, weighed, etc.
• Any obstructions and/ or hazardous objects on deck.
• An estimate of overall vessel size is helpful!
• Measurements of trawl alley, deck bins, bin boards, and
any other locations appropriate to sampling or vessel
layout are helpful but not required.

Fixed gear
• An overall diagram of deck layout and deck equipment,
such as lines, block, hoppers, etc.
• The location where gear is baited, set, and retrieved.
• Flow of fish, where sample is taken, sorted, weighed, etc.
• Any obstructions and/ or hazardous objects on deck
• An indication of what gear was used, and a rough
diagram, if appropriate.

Small vessels, skiffs, kayaks, etc.
• An overall diagram of the vessel layout and equipment,
such as line, block, hoppers, etc.
• The location where gear is stored baited, set, and
retrieved
• Flow of fish, where sample is taken, sorted, weighed, etc.
• Any obstructions and/ or hazardous objects on the
vessel
• Diagrams of gear, bait, etc. Be detailed!
• An estimate of overall size is very helpful!
On the following page is an example of a trawl vessel
diagram.

Vessel and Sampling Area Diagram
Include scuppers, bins, trawl alley, winches, obstructions on deck, flow of fish, where sample is taken, sorted weighed, etc.
Estimate vessel length.
Vessel:

The Flotsam

Captain’s net capacity estimate (lbs):
Trawl alley or hopper capacity estimate (lbs):

Gear type(s) used:

20,000 lbs
14,000 lbs

Large footrope

Trawl Net Identification Key
Observers are required to document the gear type used
on each fishing vessel. Although vessels document the
gear type in the vessel logbook, observers should use this
key to verify the gear type when trawl nets are used. After
using the key, document the net types used on the vessel in
the space provided at the top of the “Vessel and Sampling
Area Diagram(s)” page. Please contact your coordinator or
debriefer if you have questions about gear type.
The best time to verify the net type is at haul back. A
midwater trawl should be easily identified, as is a groundfish
trawl net with a large footrope. Any conventional
groundfish trawl net with a small footrope should be
distinguished from the selective flatfish trawl net (pineapple
trawl).

A good description of the selective flatfish trawl net may
be found in the Observer manual, but some key features
distinguish these two nets. As both types of net are
brought in, the wings come aboard first. Conventional
trawls generally have long breast lines and tall wings, while
selective flatfish trawls have very short breast lines (less
than 3 feet) and small wings. As a conventional trawl
comes in further, the center of the headrope hits the deck
or reel first (before the center of the footrope), with floats
obvious at the center. With a selective flatfish trawl, the
center of the footrope reaches the deck or reel well before
the center of the headrope, where the absence of floats along
the center third should be conspicuous in comparison to a
conventional trawl.

Key
1a. Footrope has bobbins, rollers, tires, rubber disks or similar...........................................................................................Go to 2
1b. Footrope without bobbins, rollers, tires, rubber disks or similar ............................................................ Midwater trawl gear
2a. Bobbin diameter size* on footrope is equal to or less than 8 inches ..............................................................................Go to 3
2b. Bobbin diameter size on footrope is greater than 8 inches ................................................ Groundfish trawl (large footrope)

*Diameter is measured in a straight line from the outside edge to the opposite outside edge at the widest part on any
individual part, including any individual disk, roller, bobbin or other device.

3a. Headrope appears longer than footrope (or the center of footrope hits the deck before the
center of the headrope .........................................................................................................................................................Go to 4
3b. Headrope and footrope appear to be the same length (or center of headrope hits the deck before or at the
same time as the center of the footrope............................................................................... Groundfish trawl (small footrope)
4a. Floats absent on center third section of headrope ..................................................................................Selective flatfish trawl
4b. Floats present on the center section of the headrope ........................................................ Groundfish trawl (small footrope)

Note: Record either Double or Single Rigged Shrimp Trawl for Pink Shrimp vessels.

Conventional Trawl Net vs. Selective Flatfish Trawl
(Pineapple)

Vessel and Sampling Area Diagram
Include scuppers, bins, trawl alley, winches, obstructions on deck, flow of fish, where sample is taken, sorted weighed, etc.
Estimate vessel length.
Vessel: Gear type(s) used:

Captain’s net capacity estimate (lbs):
Trawl alley or hopper capacity estimate (lbs):
39

Captain’s net capacity estimate (lbs):
Trawl alley or hopper capacity estimate (lbs):
40

Captain’s net capacity estimate (lbs):
Trawl alley or hopper capacity estimate (lbs):
41

Captain’s net capacity estimate (lbs):
Trawl alley or hopper capacity estimate (lbs):
42

Captain’s net capacity estimate (lbs):
Trawl alley or hopper capacity estimate (lbs):
43

Captain’s net capacity estimate (lbs):
Trawl alley or hopper capacity estimate (lbs):
44

Communication Log
Use this log to aid you in tracking communications with vessels, coordinators, other observers, your contractor, or any
other program related staff. This log is not mandatory but may be helpful for reference.
Note: Non-Catch Share vessel communications MUST be entered into the database system.

Date:

Time:

Person/Location contacted:
Phone: o

Email: o

Text: o

Other:

Summary

Date:

Time:

Person/Location contacted:
Phone: o

Email: o

Text: o

Other:

Summary

Date:

Time:

Person/Location contacted:
Phone: o

Email: o

Text: o

Other:

Summary

Photo Log
Each contract you will be issued cameras for taking photos of SPIDs, marine mammals, and other work-related activities.
These cameras are not for personal use. Use the following photo log to document your photographs only if you are doing
so for a special project. It is best to document each photo soon after taking the picture. When photographing specimens, do
not get too close and try to hold the camera at an angle to prevent glare or flash reflections.
Take photos of specimens and vessel activity, as directed for the special project:
Special Project

Photo File Number or Name

Detailed description of
photograph

Daily Notes Pages
Use the following pages to record day to day events. A note
must be included for each day you are on a vessel, even if
nothing out of the ordinary happened that day.
Daily entries should include:

Example

• Work schedule

7/7/17 – [0845] Met the vessel at the plant today

• Important conversations

and loaded my gear. I was running a little late

• Unusual occurrences

due to some missing supplies but Captain Butler

• Any illness or injury which prevented you from working

didn’t seem to mind. I met the crew (Chris and Joe)

• Suspected violations

and stowed my gear, we departed @ 0715 hrs.

Daily Notes: 7/7/17-7/9/17
Vessel name: The Flotsam

• Safety concerns, including flooding, fire, man
overboard, loss of power/steering

[2300] Made 4 tows today along the beach, just

• Describe space or time constraints that affected
sampling

mostly Sand Sole. We’re traveling north for 5 hours

• Crew members’ names

north of the jetty. All tows were easy to sample,

tonight to target Dover.
7/8/17 – [1000] Set the net twice this morning.

These pages should be used to document any problems
you encounter, as well as actions taken by you or vessel
personnel. Include crew members’ names, position or title
on the vessel, and the details of the incident or conversation.
Always date every entry, and record times if you make more
than one entry per day.
If an event seems significant only in hindsight, record it
when you remember it. Include the current date and the
date of the event. For example, the entry may look like this:
“July 17, 2017 – Three days ago, on July 14, while I was in
the wheelhouse …”
Any mistakes should be crossed out with a single line,
do not black out any entries.
The importance of documentation cannot be stressed
enough. It should be obvious that recording each incident
as it occurs is preferable to trying to reconstruct events from
memory months later, but many observers fail to do this.
You must make the effort to make timely entries.

The first haul was sampled normally, but the
second haul was cut short by an engine room leak.
The net contained only 50lbs of INVT.
[2100] Leak was from a small crack in a hydraulic
hose, resumed normal fishing after repair. All
remaining hauls contained little discard and
were whole hauled.
7/9/17– [2000] Made 5 tows today, weather was
rough and I had trouble calibrating the scale. On
the last haul I wasn’t able get a fit value and was
forced to make visual estimates of all discard and
retained overfished species.

All entries must be made in blue or black ink

Please include dates in all entries. Cross out mistakes with a single line, do not black out.
This is an official record, write legibly.
Vessel: _______________________________________________

Vessel: _______________________________________________
Include dates on all entries. Any mistakes should be crossed out with a single line, do not black out any entries.
This is an official record, write legibly

File Type	application/pdf
File Modified	2018-06-01
File Created	2018-06-01