The Seafarers’ Charity has funded a new information film to help fishers meet new MCA inspection standards.
In partnership with the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) and supported by the Fishing Industry Safety Group (FISG) the film is aimed at helping all owners to prepare for their MCA inspection following changes to the regulations for fishing vessels under 15 meters.
The Seafarers’ Charity aims to make working at sea safer for all and ensuring fishers can work and return home safely from voyages without experiencing harm or an accident is a big part of that.
The Seafarers’ Charity has supported the production of the film which highlights the changes to the MCA’s inspections of under 15-metre vessels. It will help owners to get their vessels ready for survey as well as signposting resources to help prepare for a successful inspection.
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Charles Blyth, Risk, Safety & Training Lead at the NFFO identified that many fishers were not aware of the changes to the MCA’s inspection regime and were therefore finding themselves tied up and prevented from fishing for longer periods because they did not meet the new requirements. Charles approached The Seafarers’ Charity with his idea for a short film to help share information on preparing for the new inspection requirements. As a previous Marine Surveyor with the MCA, Charles is well placed to help fishing vessel owners and the wider industry maintain high safety standards for their crews and their vessels.
Charles said: ‘Recently, the under 15-metre fleet has seen some significant changes to the MCA inspection requirements including new stability tests and an out of water inspection, with some vessels struggling to meet all the requirements and therefore being tied up and unable to fish. We have made this information film to support all owners of under 15-metre vessels.’
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