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Fishing is considered a dangerous occupation |
SHIPPING minister, Jim Fitzpatrick today announced funding of £250,000 to help fishermen attend a programme of training this year, with the potential for further funding for two more years, subject to review.
The funding will be matched by investment in training by Seafish, the body set up by Government to provide expert knowledge, skills and support to help the UK seafood industry secure a sustainable and profitable future.
A recent study by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) showed that the fishing industry is 115 times more dangerous than the construction industry, and that those working in the under 16.5m sector, representing 89% of the fleet, are particularly at risk.
Fishermen on board vessels of less than 16.5m are currently only required to undertake the basic safety training.
New courses have been developed by MCA and Seafish to address bridge watchkeeping, engine room watchkeeping and stability on vessels of less than 16.5m.
These courses are currently voluntary, but at the request of the Fishermen's Training Advisory Group and the Fishing Industry Safety Group, they will be made mandatory in the future.
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