Guest Column: Coming Home—Now is the time to take a hard look at safety

By Brian Smith, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Northern New England

It’s been a while since I last shared a column here in Landings. As gear hits the water and the June sun finally starts to show itself, there’s no better time to talk about what we all aim for: getting back to the pier at the end of the day.

For the last 14 years, I’ve walked the docks from Seabrook, NH up to Southwest Harbor, ME. I’ve been in your wheelhouses, checked your bilges, and talked shop with many of you through the good seasons and the lean ones. I don’t just do this job because it’s a paycheck; I do it because I’m a Mainer who cares about this community. I know the grit it takes to haul for a living. I know that in our neck of the woods, your boat is more than just a tool, it’s your livelihood and your lifeline.

A Hard Truth for 2026

I’m going to be straight with you — this year has already been devastating for the fishing community. Just in New England, we’ve already lost 13 fishermen and one NOAA observer at sea. It’s only June.

To put that in perspective, we usually average a

bout 6.5 fishing-related deaths annually. We have already doubled our yearly average before the summer season has even truly begun. These aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet; these are seats at the dinner table that are now empty. Every one of those losses ripples through a community.

The “Why” Behind the Exam

The Gulf of Maine doesn’t hand out second chances, and when something goes sideways, you shouldn’t have to wonder if your survival gear is going to work. That is exactly why I am so passionate about these dockside exams.

We aren’t out there to look for reasons to slow you down or dig into your pockets. In fact, these exams are a free service and they are completely no fault. If I step aboard and find an expired flare or a life raft that needs servicing, there is no fine and no penalty. We just make a worklist, and I’ll help you figure out the best way to get it squared away. My goal is simple: making sure that if the worst happens, you and your sternmen have the gear and the training to stay safe until help arrives.

The Safety Decal: A Badge of Professionalism

When you pass the exam and we slap that safety decal on your starboard window, it sends a clear message. It tells your family you’re taking every precaution to come home. It tells your crew you value their lives. And, from a practical standpoint, it tells the Coast Guard cutters out on the water that your boat is squared away. A valid decal usually leads to a much shorter and simpler at-sea boarding, because we already know your safety gear is up to snuff.

Let’s Get it Done Before the Season Peaks

I know how busy June gets, but taking an hour now can save you a world of trouble later. Whether you’re a long-time veteran or just starting out, I’m here as a resource for you. The Coast Guard Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Checklist Generator is an easy way for fishermen to determine their specific safety equipment requirements. This interactive tool allows users to input their vessel’s specific characteristics to generate a tailored list of required equipment. It can be found at www.fishsafewest.info.

I work out of Sector Northern New England in South Portland, and I personally cover the coast from Seabrook, NH, up through Rockland. If you’re in that stretch and need to schedule an exam or just have a quick question about your gear, give me a shout directly.

Brian Smith 207-664-3931

If you’re working the waters north of Rockland, we’ve still got you covered. My colleague Dan is ready to head your way to make sure your vessel is ready for the season.

Dan Hieter 207-838-4440

We’re all in this together. Let’s make sure we don’t add any more names to that list this year. Let’s make this season a safe and prosperous one. I’ll see you on the docks.