CLEVELAND (AP) — The Coast Guard district covering the Great Lakes says a change is coming for commercial fishing vessels operating more than three nautical miles offshore.
Voluntary dockside safety exams offered for more than a decade will become mandatory nationwide effective Tuesday.
The Ninth Coast Guard District in Cleveland says the required safety exams will be free and cover items including lifesaving and firefighting equipment and communications.
A passing exam is good for two years.
The Coast Guard calls commercial fishing one of the nation's most dangerous occupations.
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