Written risk assessments are required by law on fishing vessels of any size.

How to do a risk assessment with Fishing Safety Adviser, Clive Palfrey

Brian Chambers, a crab and lobster fisherman from Northern Ireland, talks about why you should stand clear whilst shooting gear.

HOW TO COMPLY WITH ILO 188

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.

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.

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

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.