ENHANCING SAFETY MEASURES IN THE MARITIME INDUSTRY

Enhancing safety measures in the maritime industry.

Phil Haslam, Managing Director at North Atlantic Fishing Company

Phil Haslam

The fishing industry is currently navigating a sea of increasing challenges, including crowded and competitive waters, stringent regulations, and a shortage of skilled workers. In addition, we also have to tackle the lingering perception that fishing is unsafe. Operating at sea does present risks and sadly, on occasion, these risks materialise which means that jobs in the catching sector regularly rank top among the most dangerous jobs in the UK, deterring new entrants from entering the sector.

This persistent narrative endures despite the significant and ongoing strides made toward enhancing the safety of fishing vessels and their crews. Of course, sea state, wind and weather conditions are key variables and can catch the ill prepared unawares.  Many other hazards are now more manageable, ensuring that crew members can operate as safely as possible and return home without harm after each excursion.

This year, the International Day of the Seafarer campaign spotlights the critical contributions of seafarers in making the maritime sector safer. It’s crucial to acknowledge and celebrate the dedicated efforts of those in the fishing industry, which have significantly shaped the catching sector’s current state.

The industry’s safety chronicle

In the early days of the fishing industry, mandatory safety measures were not in place, leaving fishermen to depend mainly on their judgement, expertise, skills, and own protective gear for survival. Consequently, incidents and accidents with the inevitable fatalities were commonplace.

In response to these perilous conditions, the UK government announced the ‘Safety at Sea Act’ in 1952, introducing significant safety requirements for fishing vessels. This piece of legislation mandated the use of life-saving appliances, navigation lights, and communication equipment, among other safety enhancements.

Despite these measures, disaster struck in 1968 and 1969 with the ‘Hull Triple Trawler Tragedy,’ a series of incidents that led to the loss of three fishing vessels, resulting in the deaths of 58 fishermen. These incidents highlighted further safety deficiencies within the UK catching sector.

Outdated safety equipment, lack of adequate training, and the intense pressures to increase catches were identified as the primary causes of these tragedies. The Hull protests led by Lilian Bilocca, leader of the Headscarf Revolutionaries, ignited a public outcry and demands for stricter safety regulations and the adoption of safer fishing practices. Consequently, authorities made significant amendments to regulatory frameworks and safety standards.

Throughout the latter 20th century, ongoing improvements were implemented in the fishing industry to promote crew safety further. Notably, establishing the ‘Marine Accident Investigation Branch‘ in 1989 was designed to scrutinise maritime accidents and recommend preventive measures. Later, in 1998, the ‘Fishing Vessel (Safety Provisions and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations’ were introduced to raise safety standards and ensure the proper use of safety equipment.

Future of safety in the industry

The UK commercial fishing industry and the broader maritime sector have continued to develop and improve a safer work environment. Over the past several decades, there has been a notable shift towards enhancing safety measures through more comprehensive training and education programmes for fishers. These programmes cover essential safety practices, emergency response techniques, and survival skills, significantly increasing safety standards in the profession.

While challenges still exist, considerable advancements have been made in safeguarding the health and safety of those working in the industry. Substantial efforts to reduce accidents and fatalities further reflect the commitment to improve the hazardous working conditions commonly faced by fishermen.

North Atlantic Fishing Company Ltd has been at the forefront of implementing rigorous safety protocols, adhering strictly to updated regulations, and continuously refining practices to foster safer fishing operations. This evolution in safety practices not only ensures increased worker protection but also drives overall efficiency.

How we keep our team safe NAFCO

At North Atlantic, we consistently ensure the safety of our people through comprehensive training, certification, risk assessment, safe work systems, advanced technology, and personal protective equipment (PPE). We firmly believe that safety on board is a shared responsibility.

Our Safety and Working Conditions Department oversees the safety policy and promotes awareness of safety risks. The implementation of this policy involves several departments, including Fleet Management and Technical Services. On our vessels, the skipper and the chief engineer share safety responsibilities and routinely discuss policy and operational procedures with the onboard Safety Committee comprised of crew members.

In 2020/2021, we adopted a new safety management system aligned with the International Safety Management (ISM) standard. This system’s processes and protocols are detailed in a manual that we discuss regularly with the ship’s officers. We gauge our compliance through baseline measurements to identify deviations from the system’s prescribed procedures and conduct periodic assessments, aiming for bi-annual reviews involving both officers and crew members.

Moreover, all crew members are equipped with PPE and engage in regular safety drills to ensure proper use and timely replacement of safety equipment. In 2021, we introduced an enhanced helmet design that is lighter, better ventilated, and offers superior protection, improving comfort in all weather conditions.

Keeping the industry safe

While progress has been made in improving the safety of crew members at sea, we all must remain committed to following safety protocols to further reduce risk in the profession. By collaborating to enhance safety measures, we can continue to attract new talent to this vital sector. It is important for the industry to promote the rewarding aspects of a career at sea, as advancements in technology make today’s seafaring both a safe and enriching career option.  Together, we can ensure that the narrative around safety in the profession continues to improve and that the sector continues to thrive.