Guidelines for Health and Safety on Board Small Fishing Boats

Navigational Charts

Paper navigational charts are used with a parallel ruler, dividers and a pencil. Charts are an essential navigational tool, and are especially useful when you need to plot a course for a longer trip.

Charts show depths, hazards, land and deviation figures for the area you are navigating.

Even if you have electronic chart software on your vessel, keep in the habit of using the paper charts. Then if a power failure or a power spike causes the computer to fail you will still have access to the information.

Compass

It is good practice to get into the habit of using the magnetic compass. It helps to:

• Confirm electronic devices are operating correctly.
• Show less experienced watch-keepers the true position of hazards on charts, when they calculate deviation and variation corrected headings.
• Ensure that watch-keepers can perform their duties if GPS and Radar fail.
• Break the monotony of the watch.

Radar

The radar set on your vessel is critical when visibility is poor (for example in poor weather, fog or at night). The radar will also often be the first indicator that there is something small ahead.

The watch-keeper must keep an eye on the radar set at all times. Small objects or vessels can appear on the radar very quickly. The time between the radar detecting something, and the vessel colliding with that thing can also be very short.

Radars need to be checked regularly. Radars do get out of sync and may need to be calibrated to give accurate readings. You can check radar accuracy by cross checking against visual fixing and GPS.

Key points when using the radar:

• ensure the Range is set correctly for the operation you are performing and the associated hazards in the area.
• make sure the Gain and Clutter settings are set appropriately for the weather conditions you are working in.
• remember the magnetron in your radar has a finite life and the radar’s performance will deteriorate so it is important that you have it checked and serviced regularly.

Navigation Lighting

The glow from your vessel’s navigational lights shows others where you are and what you are doing. At night, in fog, or in adverse weather, the lights will be the first warning other vessels may have of your presence. Navigation lights also help other vessels to figure out your vessels’ approximate course and indicate if you are fishing or towing to an adjacent vessel.

Lights must be well maintained and correctly operated.

• Always turn the appropriate lights on and off.
• Remember to turn your fishing lights on and off.
• Always run a quick visual check that the lights are shining after you have turned them on (you should do this even if you have an alarm fitted).

Shapes

Shapes are used during daylight. They show that your vessel is performing a specific task such as fishing. This indicates to other vessels that your manoeuvrability may be restricted and they should give you plenty of room. The shapes on other vessels tell you what they are doing. Using shapes is an important safety practice.

The watch-keepers eyes and ears

Your eyes and ears are the most valuable navigational aids you have. Even though you may have good and reliable technology, what you see and hear at sea is very important.

• Keep background noise in the bridge to a minimum (i.e. stereos, CDs).
• Have the maritime radio on, and listen to it.
• Regularly put your head outside to look out and listen.
• Listen for changes of sound.

Weather Faxes and Broadcasts

These provide valuable information about the environment. Get into a routine of using or listening to them.

Depth sounders

In shallower waters the depth sounder gives useful information that you can compare with the charts. It helps to clarify position as well as warn of an immediate danger of grounding.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Most vessels have a GPS on board now. GPS is a useful tool, but it must not be used as the sole navigational tool.

Remember:

• GPS can become inaccurate due to electronic or satellite malfunctions.
• GPS does not show other vessels’ positions or warn of an imminent collision.
• GPS does not show the vessel’s position relative to adjacent shoreline.
• You have other navigational aids you can use.