An MAIB investigation into the grounding of a fishing vessel found that fuel contamination by water was the most likely cause.

Statistics show that up to 20% of liferafts are incorrectly secured and may not work in an emergency!

Fishermen should regularly check that the gas cylinders are firmly tightened into the release units on their lifejackets.

The Marine Equipment Directive was put in place to enable the free movement of marine equipment between European Union Member states.

We are all concerned about the high losses of fishing vessels due to flooding. The condition of seawater pipework is a very important factor in helping to prevent such losses.

Pollution from shipping frequently receives media attention, mainly due to the large and catastrophic oil spill incidents that have occurred (such as the SEA EMPRESS, the ERIKA and the PRESTIGE oil spills). However, smaller scale pollution such as garbage, oil spills from bilge washing and catering waste continues daily, and the cumulative effect can be problematic.

Under the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) Regulation 1997 that came into force 31 March 1998, there is a general duty on employers to ensure the health and safety of workers and other persons so far as reasonably practicable. Under the legislation a written health and safety policy is required for vessels with more than five employees and all vessels need to have carried out a risk assessment.

A fishing vessel’s stability greatly depends upon its weight and centre of gravity. As is the case for many humans, as a vessel ages it can increase in weight. As time goes by, lots of minor changes to a vessel can add up. Most of this change perhaps being higher up, it will make the vessel less stable because of the rise in its centre of gravity.

Sea Worthiness

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is responsible for the inspection and safety certification of UK fishing vessels. A fishing vessel between 15-24 metres has to be surveyed every five years, with an intermediate inspection between year 2 and 3.

Poor stability continues to be a cause of vessel loss and death. There are a number of ways to reduce the risk to yourself and your vessel.

Two crewmen on board a fishing vessel had a lucky escape this week after being asphyxiated by fumes from a portable petrol driven salvage pump.