SOLAS V for pleasure craft - PDF (254Kb)

The Marking of Fishing Gear - PDF (1Mb)

DSC is simply a tone signalling system, which operates on VHF Channel 70 and is similar to the tone dialling on your phone, but with the ability to include other information such as the vessel’s identification number, the purpose of the call, your position, and the channel you want to speak on.

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a maritime communications system – not just for emergency and distress messages, but also for all types of existing vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore routine communications. Commercial vessels over 300 gross tonnage and certain smaller vessels, including some fishing boats, must fit GMDSS equipment. Most of the well known offshore yacht races now insist yachts are GMDSS equipped.

The Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) is a maritime communications system – not just for emergency and distress messages, but also for all types of existing vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore routine communications. Commercial vessels over 300 gross tonnage and certain smaller vessels, including some fishing boats, must fit GMDSS equipment. Most of the well known offshore yacht races now insist yachts are GMDSS equipped.

Over the past few years there has been a substantial increase in the number of workplace related accidents at sea and onboard United Kingdom flagged vessels. Many of these accidents have been fairly general in nature but have still been classified as "Lost-Time" Injuries. There has also been a significant increase in severe accidents, some so severe that they have destroyed the seafarer's career and in three instances culminated in the death of the seafarer.

All vessels, other than those vessels deemed unsuitable for carriage of the booklet by the Certifying Authority (i.e. vessels with no cabin or shelter), are required to carry the relevant copy of the MCA Stability Guidance Booklet (Motor or Sail). Where a booklet is not carried on board a copy is to be made available to crew ashore. These booklets are available free of charge from the MCA or Certifying Authority.

The leaflets are available directly from the Receiver of Wreck, from Coastguard Stations, Marine Offices and from many libraries, museums, harbours and dive shops

The MCA have published a number of reports presenting incident numbers and providing analysis of the risks associated with maritime activities, all available here.