December 12, 2014 — When the U.S. Senate passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act this week, it contained funding for continued safety and protection training for fishermen because of U.S. Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass.
The safety training has become an expected part of the annual fishing routine, with some fishermen attending the drills and simulations more than once a year. The training is credited with sharply reducing the number of fishing fatalities, especially in the Northeast, where there had been a spate of fatal accidents in recent years.
The Senate bill applies to fiscal 2015 and 2016 and still needs House approval. Markey's announcement did not specify a dollar amount.
Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times