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Are you aware of the changes in safety legislation required by the Working In Fishing Convention (ILO 188)? As well as the safety essentials, there are additional health and safety responsibilities on commercial fishing vessel owners and skippers.

For health and welfare advice, contact SAIL.

HOW TO COMPLY WITH ILO 188

THE FACTS

• Fishing is the one of the most dangerous industries with the rate of fatalities being approximately 100 times higher than that of the UK general workforce.
• The major causes of fatalities are going overboard, flooding, and capsize. For example:
  • 85% of deaths involve people ending up in the water
  • 42% of all deaths are recorded as man overboard incidents.

THE LAW

• You must have written and discussed a formal risk assessment on your vessel. More guidance here.
• You must wear a PFD on deck unless your risk assessment can discount it. More information here.
• You must have a written fisherman’s work agreement for all the fishermen on your vessel. Example here.
• You must have checked that all the fishermen on your vessel have a certificate of medical fitness in advance of the required date. More information here.
• You must have insurance or another form of financial security so that you can meet your liabilities for compensation if a fisherman is ill, is injured or dies as a result of working on your vessel. More information here. 
• Having a Safety Management System will help you comply with the requirements of ILO188, as well as help comply with Codes of Practice and make your MCA survey quicker and cheaper. More information here. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Owners of UK-flagged fishing vessels are responsible for basic health and safety on board their boats, safe working practices and safety equipment

THE CONSEQUENCES

• Failure to take adequate measures for the health and safety of crew is a criminal offence punishable with a fine or a prison sentence.
• Failure to wear a PFD when provided may be a criminal offence punishable with a fine.

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