A number of smaller vessels around New Zealand fish
using jigging operations. Squid are the
main target species when jigging.
There are a number of unique hazards
associated with this type of fishing.
Key
Hazards
Cables
to lights and jigging machines are often exposed. To keep your vessel safe:
- Keep cables
off the deck.
- Inspect
daily for damage to the insulation and termination points.
- Wrap cables
in waterproof covering as much as possible to keep dry.
- Don’t short
out protective devices
Failure
of jigger control relays can cause the weights to throw over rollers and onto
the deck. These should be checked regularly.
Watch
for by-catch. Sharks, Seals, and Barracouta may end up on the trays because they
were chasing the squid.
Squid
hazards.
- Squid have
a nasty bite !
- If squid tentacles
touch you they can cause septic rashes
- Watch out
for ink squirts !
Be
careful when setting and retrieving the sea anchor. The ropes can get stretched
and break. Shackles may part due to
stretching
Hooks
are continuously moving. Watch for hooks
as they emerge from the water.
The
bright lights used to attract fish glare off white painted items so crew should
beware of this and wear tinted eye-wear if working near these lights.
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Version 1.0. Last updated 27 June 2006.