The Oregon Dungeness crab fishery represents one of the most dangerous work environments in the US, with most fatalities (79%) resulting fromcapsized vessels while crossing river bars or working near shore.During the period 2003-2009, 14 deaths were recorded.None of the 14 drowning victims were wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) at the time of the incident.A study was conducted to investigate the perceptions and experiences of Oregon Dungeness crab fishermen regarding critical safety issues.The study entailed a dockside survey of crab fishermen in November 2010 in Newport, Oregon, as they prepared for the 2010-2011 season.In addition, five different types of PFDs were distributed to 50 fishermen who completed the dockside survey.These volunteers were asked to complete and return a survey after using the PFD for 30 days.
