MCKINLEYVILLE, Calif. — The Coast Guard, along with federal, state and local partners, will increase patrols throughout Northern California waterways during the recreational salmon fishing season from June 13 through July 19.
The Coast Guard expects increased boating activity offshore of Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Personnel from Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay and partner agencies will patrol the area to promote safe boating practices and respond to mariners in distress.
The Coast Guard reminds boaters of the following safety considerations:
• Always wear a life jacket while underway. California and federal law require children age 13 and younger to wear a life jacket aboard a moving vessel.
• Use a VHF-FM marine radio as the primary means of communication while offshore. Cellphone service may be unreliable along the Northern California coast.
• Never operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Boating under the influence is prohibited under federal and state law.
• Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. Hypothermia can occur quickly in the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Boaters should monitor weather forecasts and avoid operating in conditions that exceed the capabilities of their vessel or crew.
Before getting underway, mariners should ensure vessel systems are functioning properly and verify they have all required safety equipment aboard.
While the Coast Guard does not accept float plans from recreational boaters, mariners are encouraged to share their plans with a trusted family member or friend. Information should include the vessel’s name and description, number of people aboard, intended route or fishing area and expected return time.
Due to increased boating activity and potential requests for assistance, Coast Guard response times may be delayed during periods of high operational demand.
Ahead of the salmon season opener, Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers plan to offer free courtesy vessel safety examinations in Crescent City and Eureka from approximately 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 12.
Examinations will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Boaters interested in receiving a courtesy examination should look for uniformed Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel at local docks and boat ramps.
Courtesy examinations do not replace or prevent an official Coast Guard boarding at sea. However, Coast Guard Auxiliary personnel will not issue violations for safety or regulatory discrepancies identified during an examination, allowing boaters an opportunity to correct deficiencies before departing.
The Coast Guard urges all mariners to boat responsibly, wear life jackets and prepare for changing conditions before heading offshore.
For information about vessel safety requirements and regulations, boaters can review the California Division of Boating and Waterways’ “ABCs of California Boating” handbook at dbw.parks.ca.gov.
In an emergency, mariners should contact 911 or Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay on VHF Channel 16. Mariners may also call 707-839-6100 for emergencies or 707-839-6113 for non-emergency assistance.
-USCG-