Research Charters:  
When a vessel is chartered for the purposes of a research fishery, typically the assessments are paid through the normal channel of the BC commercial buyer.  However, if the charter is paid for directly, rather than by the proceeds from the sale of the fish, then the contractor of the charter must be registered and pay assessments based on the labour component of the charter.

Land workers: 
A land worker is not considered a commercial fisherman if he does not participate on board the vessel in catching or landing of fish. If a vessel owner employs a worker who does not work on board at the time of catching or landing of fish, then the vessel owner must register and pay assessments on the land worker.

Repair and Maintenance: 
A commercial fisherman who is engaged in the maintenance or minor repair of a fishing vessel is covered, as these activities are considered incidental to the fishing operations. However, if a vessel owner hires a person who is not a commercial fisherman to perform maintenance or minor repairs, the vessel owner must register with WorksafeBC. If a vessel owner is doing major repairs on a vessel (greater than 25% of replacement value), that owner would not be covered unless Personal Optional Protection was obtained. In addition, if that vessel owner hires help to assist in the major repair of the vessel, the owner would be required to register as an employer.  The exception, in this instance, is when the person hired is part of a registered firm that already has its coverage through WorkSafeBC.

Distress at Sea:
A fisherman, who would otherwise be covered during the fishery he is engaged in, would also be covered in the event of an injury suffered while responding to a distress call.

 
For more information:
Contact:
Gina Johansen
Fish Safe
604-261-9700
or
Assessment Department
WorkSafeBC
1-888-922-2768