The Cutter SPAR boarded the "Arctic Storm" on Thursday while the vessel was underway, found several violations, and as a result, escorted the vessel to Kodiak.

During the inspection conducted at sea, the boarding members from the Cutter SPAR found six safety violations aboard the 334-foot processor ported out of Seattle. The most significant violation was the expiration of the vessel’s liferaft and hydrostatic release for the liferaft. Both safety items expired in 2006.

When the Arctic Storm arrived back in Kodiak, it was met by personnel from the Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment.

The vessel must correct all discrepencies before it will be allowed to set sail once again.

“Even in the state fisheries off Alaska in the winter, the environment is unforgiving, and there is no substitute for carrying the proper lifesaving equipment,” said Ken Lawrenson, the Coast Guard 17^th District commercial fishing vessel safety coordinator. “A properly equipped crew that has been trained and drilled in the use of their gear is in a position to survive a mishap; where otherwise there is no margin for error.”

As fisheries continue throughout Alaska the Coast Guard recommends all mariners receive a free dockside commercial fishing vessel safety exam. A dockside commercial fishing vessel safety exam doesn’t exempt mariners from at-sea boardings but it can speed the process along and help ensure any issues have already been addressed before getting underway. Exams can be scheduled by contacting your nearest Coast Guard Sector or Marine Safety Detachment.

The Arctic Storm was also the subject of a rescue after it caught fire off the coast of Washington last summer. The vessel suffered an engine room fire that caused an evacuation of the vessel while it was at sea 30 miles off-shore of Gray’s Harbor, Washington.

The vessel began its life as a Navy tanker that was converted to processing in 1988.