PSS LAUNCHES FISHING PORT SAFETY PROJECT

PSS launches fishing port safety project. Port Skills and Safety Ltd (PSS) has launched a project aimed at improving safety for fishers using UK ports.

The project, supported by a grant from The Seafarers’ Charity, will give a voice to fishers using UK ports and also ensure that ports take their responsibility for the safety of fishers seriously.

PSS is a not-for-profit membership association which promotes continuous improvement in UK port safety and is best known for producing Safety in Ports guidance (SiPs), a range of guidance on meeting industry standards and best practice for a range of port operations.

Part of the new fishing port safety project will be to review existing SiPs to ensure they recognise the unique operations undertaken in fishing ports. PSS is founded on the principles of collaboration and will be working with fishing ports and fishers to encourage them to share common safety concerns, best practice and potential future developments.

“It is well-known that fishing is one of the most dangerous sectors to work in,” said PSS CEO, Debbie Cavaldoro. “But that doesn’t mean that ports should not apply the same standards to fishing operations as they would to any other port operation.

“It is sometimes too easy for ports to dismiss safety concerns relating to fishing because of the known risks. However, when it comes to maintaining safety standards, there is much ports can do. From enforcing no alcohol and PPE policies, to ensuring safe access and egress, this project will work with ports to improve safety. It cannot just be left to fishers to improve safety standards in the sector.”

Deborah Layde, Chief Executive of The Seafarers’ Charity said:

“This new project represents an exciting innovation for Ports Skills and Safety and one The Seafarers’ Charity is delighted to financially support as part of our commitment to improving fishing safety.

“Previously our funding support has focused on supporting fishers to improve safety onboard their fishing vessels. This new project expands the focus on safety to the wider work environment – the local fishing port or harbour where fishers depart and the catch is landed. We anticipate that this new project will become an important part of the jigsaw in improving fishing safety as it broadens the responsibility for safety beyond the vessel and into the wider work environment.”

PSS will be recruiting a part-time fishing port safety manager with experience of the fishing sector to support this project. For more information visit www.portskillsandsafety.co.uk.