Since the efficiency of shrimp trawls is closely connected 

 with the spread of the net, measures should be taken to increase the 

 spread. To obtain maximum vertical spread of the net and its tending 

 bottom the pad eye should be as near the top and bottom of the trawl 

 boards as possible. The use of stern davits and of a special type 

 winch will further increase the spread of the net. At present this 

 equipment is not standard aboard shrimp boats and it may require further 

 development before adoption throughout the fleet. A recently-developed 

 type of flat trawl, the "Western Jib", will also give more spread and 

 pull more easily. Finally, the double rig now operated by many vessels 

 has already proved its usefulness. 



The lack of good navigational equipment, poor maintenance of 

 available equipment and ignorance of the fundamentals of piloting and 

 navigation, are believed to be the main factors responsible for the 

 loss of a large number of shrimp vessels. Bie observation of the funda- 

 mental principles of navigation required to assure safety at sea are 

 apparently largely ignored throughout the fleet. Chart plots are not 

 kept, even during long trips, and logs do not exist. 



In the opinion of those familiar with shrimping operations 

 this situation is fraught with danger and should be remedied at once. 



One contractor proposed that all shrimp vessels be inspected 

 before leaving port because of the high rate of loss at sea. Inspection 

 of the readiness of the vessel for sea should include a careful check 

 for seaworthiness, condition of all mvigational and mechanical equip- 

 ment, presence of needed devices and information, and a general appraisal 

 of the qualifications of the personnel. Responsibility for performing 

 the inspections might rest with an agency especially constituted for such 

 purpose. This agency could function under the sponsorship of an association 

 of owners and operators, insurance interests, or State or Federal authori- 

 ties. It should have sufficient power to deny a vessel the right to depart 

 from port unless properly outfitted, maintained, and manned. Despite the 

 expense and possible loss of fishing time, it was suggested that such an 

 agency would be of great value in preventing accidents traceable to 

 defective equipment and incompetent personnel. 



Personnel problems have been among the major worries besetting 

 the industry in recent years. On non-owner-operated vessels, conflicts 

 between owner and crew have been frequent. As long as the vessel owner 

 is solely interested in operating his boat at the lowest possible 

 economic level, he will have little regard for crew comfort and safe 

 working conditions. Prepared to write off his capital investment in the 

 shortest possible time, the owner concentrates on getting the maximum 

 possible return from his operation over the period the vessel is in 

 productive use, and tends to neglect making necessary repairs. This 

 attitude begets a feeling of indifference, if not actual resentment, 

 on the part of the crew whose safety is at stake. There is no pride in 

 the maintenance or operation of the vessel nor loyalty to the owner. 



156 



