This year more than 100 gold dredges have operated off Nome, according to Port of Nome Harbormaster Lucas Stotts. This summer, the commodity price fell below $1,100. But the number of gold dredges operating off Nome has surged in recent years, driven in part by a prominent reality show on the Discovery Channel and gold prices that rose steadily for years before peaking in 2011 at $1,921 per ounce. People have searched for gold in Alaska for generations. “It’s not like they are increasing any real level of safety by doing it this way, or by having us do these stupid regulations.” “It’s gone from a fun, recreational little adventure to an over-regulated pile of crap that is no fun for anybody,” said Hughes, who has worked on gold dredges for several seasons and once leased a dredge. Kenny Hughes, chairman of the Alaska Miners Association in Nome, said the Coast Guard and state and local authorities “seem hell-bent on shutting down the industry.” Not everyone is happy about the new vessel standards, which come during a period of slumping gold prices and consolidation among some large dredge companies. “Small suction dredgers will see little difference from years past in the safety equipment standards they must adhere to, while larger excavator dredges may face compliance challenges related to load-line, mariner credentialing and inspection requirements,” the bulletin said.
“The specific commercial standards that apply to each vessel will depend on the vessel’s length, tonnage, age, area of operation and means of propulsion,” the Coast Guard said in a marine safety information bulletin released earlier this year. The credentialing and load-line standards for larger vessels take effect next year. The Coast Guard-mandated dockside inspections began in the summer for the smaller class of vessels to make sure safety equipment and other standards are followed. Dredges at least 79 feet long built since 1986 must maintain a valid load-line certification. Under the new standards that took effect June 1, smaller gold dredges classified as uninspected vessels must carry life jackets, fire extinguishing equipment, flares, lights and other safety gear applicable to the vessel class.įor larger dredges of 200 gross tons or more, a master and chief engineer holding a Coast Guard merchant mariner credential will be required in addition to carrying the standard safety equipment. Previously, all but the largest dredges were treated as recreational crafts. Coast Guard now classifies gold dredges operating off Nome, Alaska, as commercial vessels, meaning they must meet federal regulations that come with the designation.
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