NEW MAN OVERBOARD PREVENTION CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

New man overboard prevention campaign launched as data shows 85% of fatalities in the fishing industry involve people ending up in the water. A new campaign on man overboard prevention has launched today in a bid to make the commercial fishing industry safer. We sadly lost seven men over the winter so this campaign highlights the three simple steps that those who own or work on fishing vessels can take to reduce the risk of death from falling over board.
The Home and Dry campaign’s dedicated safety website offers helpful resources to help those working on fishing vessels to stay safe. It includes videos on how to do a risk assessment, advice on Man Overboard drills and training and how to wear a PFD properly.
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‘Home and Dry’- the campaign sharing vital messages about safety at sea – is reminding those working on fishing vessels to take three simple steps to reduce the risk of death from falling overboard.
Over the recent winter, seven fishermen tragically lost their lives whilst working on fishing vessels, devastating fishing communities around the UK. Six of those fatal incidents saw fishermen ending up in the water.
Falling overboard is a major cause of death in the fishing industry. 85% of deaths involve people ending up in the water and 42% of all deaths are recorded as man overboard incidents.
Over the last 10 years (2011 to 2020), the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), reported 60 fatalities from UK fishing vessels and 51 of those ended up in water. 25 deaths were recorded as man overboard incidents. The highest number of fatalities is on vessels under 15 metres.
The Fishing Industry Safety Group (FISG) is launching its latest Home and Dry campaign today (22 April) focused on prevention of man overboard incidents. To help reduce deaths at sea from falling overboard, the campaign is reminding those who work on fishing vessels to take three simple steps:
- Complete a written risk assessment and review regularly
- Practise Man Overboard drills regularly
- Always wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on deck for if the worst happens
The campaign’s dedicated safety website offers helpful resources from a range of organisations, to help those working on fishing vessels to stay safe. It includes videos on how to do a risk assessment, advice on Man Overboard drills and training and how to wear a PFD properly.