Frank Riggs: “Mr. Chairman, I seek this time to bring to the attention of the distinguished subcommittee chairman a matter of great…”

“Mr. Chairman, I seek this time to bring to the attention of the distinguished subcommittee chairman a matter of great concern to many of my constituents. First of all, I would like to say I am a supporter of the mission of the Coast Guard. They do good work. They have saved many lives and prevented injuries to people and prevented property damage by their fine efforts. However, I believe the Coast Guard has overreached in one area, that is, its efforts to enforce the Commercial Fishing Vessel Industry Safety Act. Specifically, Mr. Chairman, the Coast Guard has issued regulations which are totally inflexible. They do not distinguish between large, deep water boats that operate all year and boats that are 50 feet or less in length, carry three or fewer people, stay 12 to 50 miles offshore, and operate only in the less dangerous summer fishing season. These regulations are so complex and extensive that compliance is virtually impossible. One particularly egregious example is the requirement that these vessels be equipped with a life raft, sold only by 1 manufacturer, that is extremely costly. I also question, Mr. Chairman, the way in which these regulations are being enforced.”