Commercial fishing is ranked as one of the deadliest professions in the world.
The Coast Guard has been actively working to decrease fishing casualties through its VDE program. A Coast Guard examiner will board the vessel and inspect it for safety. This includes checking required survival equipment such as life rafts, immersion suits, and flares. The examiners also check non-regulated items such as wiring, and the structural integrity of the vessel. The fishermen then have the chance to fix any problems before heading out to sea.