SAFETY DRILLS

Safety Drills are an important aspect of emergency response training and, if they are done regularly, they can save lives. Fishing vessels of all sizes are legally required to carry out regular drills and to record them.

“Discuss the best method of man-overboard recovery with your crew and practice it.”

Clive Palfrey, Safety Adviser, Seafood Cornwall Training.

Drill requirements differ for single-handed and crewed vessels.

Drills for single-handed vessels must include:

  • Man Overboard
  • Abandon ship
  • Rescue of a casualty from another vessel from the water
  • Fire
  • Hull damage/taking on water/sinking
  • Collision/ grounding

Drills for crewed vessels must include:

  • Muster stations 
  • Fire
  • Collision/grounding
  • Hull damage/taking on water/sinking
  • Abandon ship

Top tips

  • Conduct emergency drills regularly (preferably monthly), making sure that a record is kept.
  • Download free drills cards to guide you through the steps of each drill
  • Carry out an emergency drill when a new crew member joins the vessel
  • Ensure all crew take part in drills and ensure as many as possible of the regular crew are there to witness a safe and effective drill.

Safety tips from fishermen

Crab fisherman Stuart Brown runs through what to do in the event of a fire on board. Remembering the steps to follow in the event of a fire are key to staying safe at sea.

Darren Passmore, from Resolute BM33, goes through the steps of a man overboard drill so you know how to keep your crew safe at sea.

Useful links