POTTING SAFETY FOR SINGLE-HANDED FISHING VESSELS

Keep clear – don’t go down with the pots!

Potting is widely used by single-handed fishing vessels, but it carries serious risks. When you are working alone, there is no back-up if something goes wrong. Ropes, pots and hauling gear can pull you overboard or strike you before you have time to react.

This guidance focuses on practical steps that can help reduce risk when potting alone.

Vessel layout and systems

Make it safe – the safest layout is usually the most efficient.

When working single-handed, your deck layout must allow you to control pots and ropes without stepping into danger or losing control of the vessel.

Danger

Ropes under tension can kill.

If you are caught, you might not have time to react. 

What can go wrong

  • You become tangled in ropes and are dragged overboard
  • Pots shoot out of sequence and strike you
  • You are overloaded and the vessel becomes unstable

What you can do

  • Arrange the deck so ropes run cleanly and do not cross walkways
  • Remove or guard snag points where ropes could catch
  • Fit rope barriers or containment where possible
  • Use transom gates or shooting ramps so you can stand well clear
  • Only carry the number of pots you can safely control alone
  • Stack pots securely and clearly mark any pots removed from sequence
  • Speak to others to hear how they stay safe aboard their vessel

Stability and loading

Don’t overload – stability matters. Single-handed vessels are particularly vulnerable to changes in stability.

What you can do

  • Limit the number of pots carried between fishing grounds
  • Avoid stacking pots high on deck
  • Secure all gear so it cannot shift
  • Keep freeing ports clear at all times

Warning

A vessel that feels safe in calm seas may not be safe later.

Shooting pots

Keep clear – shooting pots is dangerous.

When shooting pots alone, you are controlling the vessel and the gear at the same time.

What can go wrong

  • You are dragged overboard
  • Your leg is caught in tightening rope
  • A pot strikes you

What you can do

  • Plan each step before shooting begins
  • Keep unnecessary gear out of the shooting area
  • Put in place a system of shooting where you do not have to enter the shooting area at any time
  • Look to install a system where pots cannot get snagged during shooting
  • If a pot does snag, stop the shooting process before you step in to free the pot Don’t jump into the shooting area
  • Wear a personal flotation device at all times
  • Carry a sharp knife that can be reached with either hand
  • Reduce shooting speed if needed

Danger

If you fall overboard alone, there may be no second chance. You yourself are your only chance of recovery (self-recovery).

Hauling pots

Stay focused – repetitive work increases risk.

Hauling is repetitive and tiring. Loss of concentration can lead to serious injury.

What can go wrong

  • Hand or arm trapped in the hauler
  • Fouled gear pulls the vessel over
  • Anchor or pot strikes the operator

What you can do

  • Never leave the hauler unattended
  • Keep controls within easy reach
  • Use smooth speed controls where possible
  • Avoid excessive hauler power
  • Check hydraulic settings regularly

Warning

If the hauler keeps running, injuries happen fast.

Handling pots and baiting

Mind your back – protect your body.

Handling pots repeatedly can quickly lead to injury when working alone.

What you can do

  • Avoid twisting and over-reaching
  • Lift with bent knees and a straight back
  • Use davits and rollers to reduce lifting
  • Work at a comfortable height when baiting

Stowing catch on deck

Keep it secure – keep water out.

What you can do

  • Secure all boxes and bins
  • Fit covers to prevent water ingress
  • Keep freeing ports clear