Courtesy of http://www.pressandj...231561?UserKey=
"Bid to cut accident toll on trawlers
crack team of fishing boat inspectors planned in bid to change dangerous reputation of sector
By Ryan Crighton
Published: 25/05/2009
Coastguard bosses will create a crack team of fishing boat inspectors to change the industry’s reputation as Britain’s most dangerous profession, the Press and Journal can reveal.
Work and living conditions on all trawlers will be inspected by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in a fresh bid to cut deaths and serious accidents.
Part of the plans include the creation of a dedicated inspection team for small fishing vessels – those under 80ft – which will focus on safety.
The MCA warned “prompt and tough” action would be taken against anyone failing to meet standards – but industry leaders said they had confidence in the Scots fleet.
The measures for 2009-10 are part of the MCA’s three-year safety drive, now entering its second year.
Their plans also include measures to tackle seafarer fatigue – and surveyors will be taking a “critical look” at the hours-of-work/rest records during surveys and inspections to ensure legislation is being adhered to.
Peter Cardy, MCA chief executive, said tough sanctions will be imposed on those who fall short on safety.
He said: “Our targets are challenging but practical, and reflect my wish to work with the shipping and fishing industries to improve standards of safety.
“Seafarer fatigue is well known to be the root of many accidents at sea, and fishing still represents one of the most dangerous occupations within the UK.
“MCA staff are dedicated to improving safety standards, and the high level of professionalism that exists through the agency is envied worldwide.
“My role is to lead the agency as we work in partnership to deliver measurable and substantive improvements to these industries that we care so passionately about.
“Our inspections will check safety standards and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action where necessary.”
Scottish White Fish Producers’ Association executive chairman Mike Park said the safety crackdown will be welcomed by the industry, as long as it does not weigh fishermen down with red tape.
He said: “Anything that improves safety without increasing costs will be welcomed by the industry.
“We are confident in our current safety standards and living conditions.”
Several accidents in the past 12 months have underlined the dangers involved in the fishing industry. Concerns about living and working conditions for fishermen were raised after a fire on board the Banff-registered Vision II last August, which claimed the lives of three foreign crewmen.
The vessel was tied up at Fraserburgh harbour when the fire – thought to have been caused by a fan heater or a smouldering cigarette – broke out. The bodies of Ramilito Calipayan and Benjamin Potot, both from the Philippines, and Latvian Rimants Venckus were found on the boat by firefighters.
One union claimed migrant workers were being exploited by Scottish skippers, and launched a probe into pay and working conditions. Industry leaders strongly denied the accusations.
Just days after the fire, another foreign crew member died after falling overboard.
Filipino Reynaldo Benitez fell from the Fraserburgh-registered vessel New Dawn.
Last month, Ryanwood skipper Kevin West, of Fraserburgh, fell overboard. The registered boat was working 15 miles off Rattray Head when he vanished."
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Bid to cut accident toll on trawlers
Started by
Guest_Steve Ellwood_*
, May 26 2009 06:45 AM
5 replies to this topic
#3
homeward bound
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Deckie
Posted 27 May 2009 - 08:50 AM
it says they will create a crack team of investigators, probably work 8-5 , so no problem there 
. just another load of penpushers keeping themselves in a job 
it says they have targets , what are they ? have they published a list of rules ?
. just another load of penpushers keeping themselves in a job it says they have targets , what are they ? have they published a list of rules ?
#4 Guest_Steve Ellwood_*
Guest_Steve Ellwood_*
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Posted 27 May 2009 - 08:57 AM
Quote
it says they will create a crack team of investigators, probably work 8-5 , so no problem there . just another load of penpushers keeping themselves in a job it says they have targets , what are they ? have they published a list of rules ?
. just another load of penpushers keeping themselves in a job it says they have targets , what are they ? have they published a list of rules ?http://www.mcga.gov....nal_version.pdf
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