When fishing season comes,the number of fishing vessels surges in waters off Nantong ,Jiangsu .How to Identify and take avoidance action from these five fishing types is very important: GillNet,Trawl,Purse Seine,StowNet and Long Line fishing? Misjudgment or improper avoidance may result in net engtanglement collision and even fatal accidents.
Gillnetters: The net string extends forward from the bow. Navigation lights: red over white vertically at night. Vessels taking avoiding action shall pass astern at least 1 nautical mile away. Never cross ahead or enter the fishing zone.
Trawlers: Lights: green over white vertically. The space between two pair trawlers is a dangerous exclusion zone. For single trawlers, operational status changes during net shooting and hauling. Keep a 1 nautical mile clearance and pass astern.
Purse seiners: Lights: red over white vertically. Alternating flashing vertical yellow lights indicate net shooting or hauling. Do not cut into the fishing circle. Navigate cautiously beyond 1 nautical mile.
Stow netters: The vessel remains stationary while fishing gear extends outward. Night lights: red over white vertically. Visible outward white lights mean the gear extends over 150 metres. Detour in advance around this "underwater fence".
Longliners: The line of surface buoys marks the mainline track. Night lights: red over white vertically. Do not cross the buoy line directly. Pass along the tangent of the buoy line.
General rule for fishing vessels: Keep well clear, maintain a safe distance of over 1 nautical mile. Communicate via VHF whenever practicable.
