Guidelines for Health and Safety on Board Small Fishing Boats

Flooding can occur on a vessel as a result of an incident at sea. Flooding can also happen when a vessel is alongside.

There are a number of steps you can take to reduce the risk of a flood. There are also things you can do to reduce the damage that a flood would cause.

!   Action points

• Keep watertight opening clips and dogs well greased and in good working order at all times.
• Keep all bilge and portable pumps maintained. Check operation before sailing each trip.
• Make sure bilges are clear of rags and debris that may block pumps.
• When leaving the vessel ensure all sea cocks not required for cooling running equipment, are shut off.
• Ensure your collision bulkhead or any other watertight bulkhead is not compromised by drilling holes to install cabling or pipe-work. Make sure the appropriate through-bulkhead watertight gland or fitting is used.