Guidelines for Health and Safety on Board Small Fishing Boats

There is no harsher natural environment than the sea (there are very few industries where people are required to work heavy machinery on a platform that is continually moving and wet). These factors make it one of the most physically demanding and dangerous occupations. Sadly, the accident statistics support this fact.

In this section you will find out about the emergency procedures and emergency equipment that should be on every vessel.

The section covers what to do to prevent emergencies:

• If there is a fire on board
• When someone falls overboard
• When someone is injured on board
• If there is a flood on board
• If you have to abandon ship
• If you have to make a MAYDAY call

Regular emergency drills will help all crew members to know what to do if something goes wrong.

Preventing emergencies

Many accidents and injuries can be avoided, or their effects reduced through the professionalism of the vessels’ management and crew.

Everyone should do what they can to:

• Keep the vessel in good working condition.
• Do your housekeeping - this means.
• Keep things tidy on deck and below deck
• Know where items should be stored and keep them there
• Secure loose items
• Stow things in the correct containers
• Make sure safety gear is easy to get at, and in excellent condition.
• Report any problems or gear defects to the skipper.

For Skippers:

• Always discuss safety matters with crew. Formal safety committees are not compulsory but good communication on safety matters is.
• Every crew member must be encouraged to give feedback and to report defects.
• Do pre-sailing safety checks every time you sail.
• Follow the Safe Ship Management (SSM) programme on board.
• Encourage the crew to attend First Aid, Fire Fighting, Survival and emergency training for crew.
• Conduct regular safety exercises and discussions while at sea. Practice is essential to be prepared.

Insist on safe working standards at all times

Legal requirements

Maritime Rule Part 23 lists “Operating Procedures & Training designed to cope with emergency situations or prevent such situations occurring”.

The HSE Act requires “ every employer shall take all practical steps to ensure the safety of employees while at work”.

The HSE Act also requires “the participation of employees in processes relating to health and safety”.