From: CDFU, Rochelle van den Broek

Date: July 17, 2009

To: Rochelle van den Broek
Subject: DOT crackdown in Cordova

Hi everyone,

Following several citations issued to fellow fishermen this week, Jerry and I were
able to track down the DOT officers here in town. We met with them this afternoon
to clarify vehicle requirements for commercial use, and to figure out how we can
address this bureaucratic nightmare.

A vehicle is considered commercial if it is used for business related transport.

Vehicles that are towing commercial fishing vessels fall into this category as putting
the fishing vessel on and off a trailer, and moving it from location to location is
considered part of a commercial fisherman's business - it is supporting the intent of
their commercial operation. Additionally, a vehicle is classified as commercial if it
weighs over 10,000 lbs (gross vehicle weight – truck, or combination of truck, boat
and vehicle etc.).

REQUIREMENTS

If you're a using a vehicle to tow your commercial fishing boat or trailer

(according to federal regulations 49CFR), RIGHT NOW, YOU NEED THE FOLLOWING:

1. USDOT #.
You can get this by visiting http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
Click on USDOT Number or Operating Authority (under Registration & Licensing)
Click on Online Registration & Licensing System
Follow the online form, step by step.
Need help? Contact 1-800-832-5660
* The USDOT# is interchangeable between multiple vehicles - make sure you
get them listed when filling out the form!
* You'll need to choose a "Company Name" – can be anything you choose.

2. Medical Card
DOT specific physical. Depending on your health, may only need to do one once
every 2 years.

3. Motor Inspection
Your vehicle & trailer will need to be inspected by a DOT approved inspector
periodically (determined on individual basis).
(Apparently there is one in Cordova as the local contracting companies have
vehicles that are certified locally).
If you alternate between vehicles for towing your boat/trailer you will need all
vehicles inspected.
Documentation proving your periodic inspection must be kept in the USDOT#
registered vehicle.

4. Shipping papers for Hazmat

 If you are hauling fuel etc. you will need DOT papers certifying your cargo.
The fuel on your boat is not classified as hazardous for this purpose, only
hazardous materials in the vehicle you are using to tow.
If you are carrying hazmat, you'll need to display a placard issued with your
shipping papers.

5. Lights
You need working brake lights and blinkers on the trailer.
Due to sea salt and conditions you may need to purchase removable ones and
take them off when the trailer is submerged.

6. Oversize permit
Anything over 8' 6" wide or 15' tall needs an oversize permit, obtainable from
the DOT.

7. Brake permit
All vessels under 18,000 lbs (combined vehicle, trailer and vessel weight)
require a brake permit.

8. Warning devices
You need flares or triangles for emergency purposes in the registered USDOT#
vehicle.
Flares located in the boat you are towing are not considered acceptable for this
requirement.

9. Fire extinguisher
You need a fire extinguisher for emergency purposes in the registered USDOT#
vehicle.
An extinguisher located in the boat you are towing is not considered acceptable
for this requirement.

10. Commercial Drivers License (CDL)

There are specific classes of CDL's you'll need depending on the cumulative
weight of your vehicle, trailer and boat.
Under 26,001 lbs combo weight (vehicle, trailer & boat) you'll need a Class A
CDL.

11. Vehicles Marked

The vehicle used for commercial use (towing your boat and trailer) will need to
be marked with your "Company name" (see USDOT#).
Additionally, you'll need to mark any vehicles registered and used for your
business with your USDOT#.

WHAT IS CDFU DOING ABOUT THIS?

Obviously these are cumbersome, costly and bureaucratic processes.

Understandable for regions where heavy driving, highway driving, long distances
etc. are undertaken. Here in Cordova, where the longest distance a boat is towed is
6.5 miles, these requirements are ridiculous.
 CDFU will work with Representative Thomas during the next session to work on
legislation to exempt commercial fishing vessels from these requirements in rural
areas. Unfortunately, if we are lucky enough to secure an exemption of this kind, it
likely won't go into effect until 2010. You will still be required to comply with some
of the above regulations (i.e brake lights etc.). An exemption of this kind will be
difficult to achieve but you can bet your life we're going to try our best.

The DOT officers will be in town for several more days, and will be cracking
down on more violations - stay off the roads with your trailers/boats if you can.
They may be back sporadically from time to time, checking in but were not able to
give me specific dates in the future.

Once we get more organized on this issue at CDFU, we'll try and put together
some packets of everything you need (similar to USCG packets).

Stay under the radar,

Rochelle

Rochelle van den Broek

Executive Director
Cordova District Fishermen United
P.O. Box 939 :: 509 First Street :: Cordova, Alaska 99574
Ph: 1 (907) 424 3447 :: Fax: 1(907) 424 3430
Email: cdfu@ak.net
Web: http://www.cdfu.org

CORDOVA DISTRICT FISHERMEN UNITED – Protecting the commercial fishermen

of Prince William Sound Since 1935