Mike Corey

Despite its name, it's known for rough weather and high seas at this time of year.

But it's also a prime fishing spot.

And to maximize their time there, Morley has brought on another deckhand, an indigenous man named David Hanlon.

He's quiet, so Bob hasn't gotten a read on him yet.

But judging from how muscular he is, he should be a welcome addition when they're hauling in the lines.

When Bob's done helping Gigi with food, he goes to check on their safety gear.

He finds everything they're required to have.

Emergency beacons, waterproof survival suits, but there's one glaring exception.

He climbs the steel deck stairs to the pilot house to ask Morley about it.

Hey, Skipper.

Do we still not have a life raft?

From his Coast Guard days, Bob knows that their first fishing trip was close enough to shore that they weren't legally required to have a life raft.

But Fairweather Ground is open ocean, more than 60 miles from the nearest land.

Not having a raft that far out isn't just illegal, it's downright dangerous.

but Morley seems unconcerned.

Nah, couldn't find one on short notice.

Bob doesn't love that answer, but he decides to drop the subject.

He needs this fishing run to go well as much as anyone else.

There's no sense in jumping ship over a missing life raft.

Finally, the Le Conti is ready to go.