Motor Vessel Selendang Ayu Unified Command

Joint Information Center

Operational Procedures for Vessels Participating in the 2005 Opilio Crab Season

JUNEAU, Alaska - With considerable input and continued cooperation by the fishing industry, both skippers and processing company executives, the Unified Command in cooperation with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) have developed some recommendations regarding operational procedures intended to minimize contact with random tar balls that me be encountered by vessels transiting to and the the Opilio grounds.

Vessel skippers are encouraged to:

1. At or before final tank inspection, please obtain the latest departure information on the recommended departure routes to an offshore waypoint from:

a.) ADF&G - Call sign: WIM 76 Dutch Harbor - Telephone: (907) 581-1239

b.) Your processor or

c.) The Unified Command - Telephone: (907) 581-7159

2.  Tank down in the harbor.

3.  On departure from the harbor, remain within a half mile of the recommended track lines provided.

a.) Dutch Harbor/Unalaska: Begin at way point 53.58.00N, 166.30.00W. Remain on a heading of 315 degrees true. Proceed eight miles to waypoint 54.05.00N, 166.39.00W. After reaching this second waypoint, continue on your chosen course to the Opilio grounds.

b.) Akutan: Begin at waypoint 54.10.00N, 165.42.5W. Remain on a heading of 325 degrees true. Proceed eight miles to waypoint 54.16.00N, 165.48.5W. After reaching this second waypoint, continue on your chosen course to the Opilio grounds.

4. Avoid remaining convergence zones. If it is possible to safely shut down your pumps while transiting these zones, then do so. (Please check your vessel stability booklet.)

5. Be advised that within the harbor/waypoint transit lane, monitoring and water sampling will be conducted on a regular basis by the crews aboard the fishing vessels Exito, Alaska lady and Northern Fury.

6. Please log any oil or oil sheen sightings during transit using your wheelhouse log or the form at this link (click here).

a.) ADF&G - Call sign: WIM 76 Dutch Harbor - Telephone: (907) 581-1239

b.) Your processor or

c.) The Unified Command - Telephone: (907) 581-7159 or 581-7600 extension 4041

7. Upon arrival at the fishing grounds, and prior to putting crab in the tanks, check crab tans via manholes for contamination such as an oil sheen or film.

8. On return, please check for updated information and return waypoint location from:

a.) ADF&G - Call sign: WIM 76 Dutch Harbor - Telephone: (907) 581-1239

b.) Your processor or

c.) The Unified Command - Telephone: (907) 581-7159

9. "Clear Zone" anchorages will be designated in the harbor for vessels to anchor and hold crab while awaiting offload.

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