Guidelines for Health and Safety on Board Small Fishing Boats

When a net or a line snags on a rocky bottom, a small fishing vessel is in an extremely dangerous situation.

• Its power has been eliminated by being held fast by the line or warp.
• Its manoeuvrability has been reduced because it is held in position by the anchored line or warp.
• Its floatation qualities have been reduced because it is held down by the anchored line and not able to rise with the swell.
• Its stability has been affected because of external force acts on the boat every time the line or warp goes taut.

In such a state the vessel is extremely vulnerable to the elements so action needs to be taken quickly and thoughtfully. A snag should be regarded as one of the most dangerous situations a fisherman will find themselves in.

Gear can quickly break in such conditions. Extra load is placed on surviving lines and equipment. The crew on deck are also vulnerable.

Never underestimate the immediate hazards associated with gear becoming snagged.

!   Action Points

Reduce power immediately, in a controlled manner. This will reduce the risk of being dragged astern by the snagged net and therefore reduce the risk of taking on sea water over the stern.

Then, decide:- Is it safe to attempt to free the gear?

The weather and sea conditions will be the main factors that influence this decision. If the weather is rough or there is a large swell, it is very dangerous to keep the vessel attached to the snagged gear.

Check the chart to see if there is a known hazard (i.e. wreck or pinnacle) in the position.

Remember that manoeuvrability will be severely reduced. There is also a significant risk of fouling the rudder or propeller because

• headway is reduced because of the snag
• the boat is tossed about by rough seas or a large swell.

If the vessel is snagged and stuck fast, be aware of the danger that she will go down in the stern. If this happens the vessel will most likely take on some water. This could escalate the situation into a catastrophe.

Close hatches and clip on.

You may have to release the warps or lines to release the vessel. If possible, attach a float to the ends. This will help you recover of the gear at a later stage.

When attempting to recover the gear, try to make the lifting point to as low as possible. The extra load on the upper derrick, gantry or fantail where the trawl blocks normally are will affect the centre of gravity of the vessel and affect stability. The lifting points should be as near to the centre of the vessel as possible and remain at the stern.

To avoid cross-overs the recovery is normally attempted straight above the snagged gear. Keep a close eye on the vessel’s trim and heel. Keep personnel away from the lines and warps as they will be under extreme loads.

If this doesn’t work, you may wish to try and to clear the snag from the opposite direction.

Consider radioing for assistance from a bigger vessel. Yes – there will be a cost, but remember the cost of losing your vessel!

Your vessel should have an axe, large bolt cutters or some other way to cut the lines or warps in an emergency.