SFA receives donations and stresses safety

The Saipan Fisherman’s Association met this past Wednesday night to monitor the progress of the preparations for the 20th Annual Saipan Fishing Tournament, and the support from the public seems to be growing every day.

In keeping with tradition, members volunteered to contact local businesses from a long list of past and potential sponsors, in hopes that this year’s event would be the mother of all tournaments.

Since they began to solicit local businesses several months ago, a large number of donations have been pouring in from all sectors of the community, and last Wednesday’s meeting was no different.

At the meeting, SFA president John San Nicolas was presented donations from Rufino “Jojo” Dadivas of Mobil, Norman Tenorio of the Joeten family of companies, and Pauline Johnson of Saipan Cell.

The strong support from area companies is one of the reasons that the tournament has been successful. Another reason is the deep devotion to the sport by the association members, and the importance that they put on boating safety.

“I think that boating safety is one of our most important concerns. All participants must abide by the laws of the CNMI with regards to the rules and regulations of boating safety, and they need to have all of the safety gear,” said San Nicolas.

Despite the week prior to the tourney to be proclaimed “Boating Safety Week,” the Department of Public Safety Boating Safety Section will still be performing courtesy safety inspections two weeks prior to the tournament for all whom wish to join the annual event. Beginning Saturday, August 14 and continuing through to the tournament dates, officers will check your boat from bow to stern free of charge.

“There’s no need for the owners to bring their boats to us. If they call us we will go to their homes or wherever they have their boat to make sure that they have the proper safety equipment prior to the tournament,” said Officer Juan Diaz.

Boating Safety officers have been offering the inspections in every year that there has been a tournament, and this year they will be inspecting on-site during the tournament as well.

Last minute inspections would also be conducted as BSS officers would be at Sugar Dock, Fishing Base, and at Smiling Cove on Saturday and Sunday, but boaters beware, if your registration is expired on the day of the event, there will be no way renew in time to participate.

To schedule a safety inspection, contact the DPS Boating Safety Section by calling 664-9180/1/2/3/4.

During last year’s event, a record setting 82 boats from several countries were entered into the tournament. This year, the goal is to surpass that.

Though the tournament is the result of months of work, it is not the sole ambition of the SFA. In the future, the association has several plans in the works that will benefit the local fishing community.

The 20th Annual Saipan International Fishing Tournament unfolds on Saturday, August 28 in the deep waters off the coast of Saipan and concludes Sunday, August 29.

If you are interested in further information about the Saipan Fishermen’s Association or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Martin F. Duenas at 664-3200/3201 or Wolf Mojica at 234-6615.

If you have any fish tales that you would like to share from any of the last 19 tournaments, please contact Brad E. Ruszala by calling 235-2440 or via e-mail brad_ruszala@saipantribune.com.