Observer Safety Program Review Report

May 11, 2018

This report was initiated as part of NOAA Fisheries' voluntary Observer Program Safety Review to examine existing factors facing observers and at-sea monitors. It is an independent audit of current observer-related policies and protocols.

The review found national and regional observer safety programs in the United States to be robust, mature, and effective. The report also makes recommendations in seven areas: safety reporting; communications; practices and policies; training; regulations; equipment; and international observers.