On January 22, the Ilwaco Landing dock and fishing community suffered from a large fire, just days before the most important season opener for many coastal fishers. Stockpiles of crab pots were set ablaze, and many in the fishing community were worried about whether they would be able to recover in time for the start of the crabbing season on February 1, 2024. In 2022, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife estimated that the Dungeness crab coastal fishery was worth $64.6 million. Now, Ilwaco Landing dock stands at half-capacity, as only one fish receiving facility remains.  The fis ..read more

The vast waterways of Washington beckon adventure seekers, offering peaceful relaxation and thrilling experiences. But before setting sail, understanding the state’s regulations is crucial for ensuring a safe and legal journey. One essential rule concerns boater education, outlined in RCW 79A.60.640. Let’s navigate this regulation and empower you to explore Washington State’s waters safely and with confidence! Who Needs a Boater Education Card? Generally, anyone operating a motor-driven boat or vessel with 15 horsepower or more in Washington requires a boater education card. This applies to ..read more

By Matthew Cole | Associate Attorney Introduction For many Washington residents, boating season is an exciting time to look forward to as the summer season begins. While many people are understandably anxious to get out of their houses and take advantage of the abundant outdoor recreation, we want to remind individuals about boating safety. Boating is a prominent activity across the Pacific Northwest and law enforcement has communicated safety tips along with a short informational video on how to best maneuver a crowded harbor. Be sure to check out that video here. There are several ways to ..read more

Introduction The Seattle Times reported that a commercial fishing vessel in Tacoma, Kodiak Enterprise, caught fire while moored in the Hylebos Waterway at Trident Seafoods early Saturday morning. Who responded to the fire? Several agencies responded to the fire, including: Tacoma Fire Department U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Protection Agency Washington state Department of Ecology What’s going on in the area? With responders still fighting the fire early this morning, the USCG has closed the Hylebos Waterway to all recreational and commercial water traffic. Additionally, according to the US ..read more

Introduction The Seattle Times reported that, despite the waning of the stressors that originated from the pandemic, the Puget Sound maritime industry continues to struggle to keep shipping container volume up. What makes up the Puget Sound maritime sector? The maritime sector in the Puget Sound is made up of a wide variety of businesses, individuals, and activities, including: Boat and ship construction Shipping and trading logistics Cruise ship tourism Recreational boating Naval operations (including the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Naval Base Kitsap, and the ballistic missile submarine base ..read more

The Seattle Times reported yesterday that fisherman Bryson Fitch, a crew member of the Ethel May, remains lost at sea more than 6 weeks after the vessel capsized near Willapa Bay on February 5th, 2023. Fitch, a crab fisherman, husband, and father of three, is the only crew member still unaccounted for. Mark Nowlin of The Seattle Times writes “Fitch’s fate was a brutal reminder of the perils of the Willapa Bay bar, and of the risks of the Pacific Northwest Dungeness crab fishery, which since 2000 has claimed 49 lives and ranks as one of the deadliest fisheries in the country.” At GLP Attorneys ..read more

The Seattle Times recently reported that 13 mariners attended a survival skills training last week to prepare them in the event that they are forced to abandon ship while at sea. The training is part of the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association (NPFVOA) Vessel Safety Program and is approved by the US Coast Guard. Thanks to the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial Board, some crews can get significant rebates on certain trainings. Who can receive these trainings?   The NPFVOA program is offered to a variety of maritime industry workers, including: Commercial fishing vessel crew Commer ..read more

The Seattle Times reports that the search for Bryson Fitch, a crew member of the Ethel May, continues more than a week after the vessel capsized near Willapa Bay on February 5th, 2023. Fitch, a crab fisherman, husband, and father of three, is the only crew member still unaccounted for. In response, countless members of the Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor communities have mobilized to support Fitch’s family in this difficult time — and assist in the search. Volunteers have been flying drones, combing the beaches, and using their own personal vessels to search the coastline for the missing crew me ..read more

The Seattle Times reports that Ballard Oil, a company that has been serving the maritime community for four generations, closed its doors for good on January 30th, 2023. Since its founding in 1937, the company has supplied commercial fishing boats, tugs, and other vessels in the Lake Washington Ship Canal with fuel, lubricants, and parts. Why is Ballard Oil closing? Ballard Oil’s owners cite a variety of causes for the closure, including costs associated with regulatory compliance, tax increases, worker shortages, fewer customers, and a years-long fight with the city over its attempts to con ..read more

Introduction The Seattle Times reported that a commercial fishing vessel in Tacoma, Kodiak Enterprise, caught fire while moored in the Hylebos Waterway at Trident Seafoods early Saturday morning. Who responded to the fire? Several agencies responded to the fire, including: Tacoma Fire Department U.S. Coast Guard Environmental Protection Agency Washington state Department of Ecology What’s going on in the area? With responders still fighting the fire early this morning, the USCG has closed the Hylebos Waterway to all recreational and commercial water traffic. Additionally, according to the US ..read more