Safety is a Priority as Lobster Season Starts

As lobster season begins in southwestern Nova Scotia, fishing crews are reminded to make safety a priority.

Monday, Nov. 25, kicks off the fishing season, commonly known as Dumping Day along the south and western shores - Lobster Fishing Areas 33 and 34.

“The fishing industry brings great value to our province as one of our largest exports, but it remains a dangerous profession,” said Labi Kousoulis, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education. “I want to thank all fishing crews for their efforts. As safety is top priority, I ask them to take the necessary precautions to get home safe.”

Safety begins before heading out for the day. It is important for crews to monitor the weather, assess their boats, examine their safety gear, prepare for emergencies and wear their personal floatation devices.

Quotes:

“Safety is everything. It’s important that we get our crews home safe and wearing our personal flotation devices is one of the ways to do that. Yes, we want to catch lobsters and make money, but what good is making money if you don't come home."

– Kasey DeMings, captain of Angelina Rae 1, Lobster Fishing Area 33

“Many Nova Scotians have lost their lives to drownings in the fishing industry in recent years – a somber reminder of the dangers that still exist in this industry. So as another lobster season begins, I encourage all crews to make safety a priority. Only do something if you can do it safely.”

– Stuart MacLean, CEO, Workers’ Compensation Board Nova Scotia

“It is important to wear personal floatation devices, check all vessel safety equipment to ensure it is inspected and accessible, to try on immersion suits and familiarize all crew members with the vessel and its equipment. We wish all those in Lobster Fishing Areas 33 and 34 a safe and prosperous season.”

– Amanda Dedrick, executive director, Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia

“Each year, fishing vessels leave port full of excitement to start their season. Our Are You Ready team has been visiting wharfs and conducting safety drills throughout Lobster Fishing Areas 33 and 34. We want to ensure fish harvesters are well equipped, knowledgeable and prepared."

– Lisa Fitzgerald, executive director, Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council

Quick Facts:

• occupational health and safety laws require fishing crews to wear a life jacket or other personal floatation device
• since 2012 the Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia and its partners have completed 190 Man Overboard Drills across the province
• through social media and print the Workers’ Compensation Board Nova Scotia and the Department of Labour and Advanced Education are sharing promotional materials to help remind captains and crews about the importance of personal flotation devices

Additional Resources:

Fisheries Safety Association of Nova Scotia: http://fisheriessafety.ca/ Nova Scotia Fisheries Sector Council: https://www.nsfsc.ca/

Onboard checklist: https://secureservercdn.net/166.62.112.219/m8p.f2e.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Familiarization-checklist_2018_v2.pdf
Fisheries Safety Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AreYouReadyNS/
Fisheries Safety Twitter: https://twitter.com/FishSafeNS