With the highest fatality rate among all U.S. occupations, the industry has generally welcomed the input.
"The devil is in the details," said Kevin Thornton, attorney for the Garden State Seafood Association, a 200-member statewide nonprofit representing commercial fishermen, fishing companies, and related businesses.
"No one has a greater stake or interest in the safety of commercial fishing vessels than the captain and crew, who make their living going to sea," he said. "The concern is always, who is making the final determination [on regulations] based upon what input, and what kind of time line is there to comply?
"All of this is well-intentioned," Thornton said. "We have to see the details."
The Lady Mary's failings are frequently referred to in the NTSB report, which calls on the Coast Guard to establish new standards for commercial fishing industry vessels of 79 feet or less, including measures to improve stability, watertight integrity, and training. Vessels under 79 feet are lost at a higher rate, the Coast Guard has reported.
An NTSB investigation into the sinking of the 71-foot Lady Mary said it was caused by flooding through an access hatch left open during 10- to 12-foot seas, "contrary to safe shipboard practice."
The report this month also recommended that ship owners install recovery devices to rescue anyone who has fallen overboard, and that crew members wear flotation aids at all times while on board and be trained in the use of all emergency equipment.
"While numerous laws have been passed to protect fishing grounds and fish populations, regulations to improve the safety of commercial fishermen are long overdue," NTSB Chair Deborah Hersman said.
