|
Safety will be a major theme at the Fishing 2010 exhibition in Glasgow with the importance of wearing a lifejacket on deck and a display on the difficulties of retrieving a man overboard being two of the key messages.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) says that in 2009 a spate of man overboard accidents from UK registered fishing vessels resulted in the tragic loss of nine lives. On its stand at Fishing 2010, the MAIB will be showing a video interview with a fisherman who survived after falling overboard, telling of his life-threatening experience. A selection of equipment designed to recover a person from the water will also be on display.
A spokesman for the MAIB said: “The MAIB does not endorse any particular method of recovery but we strongly encourage owners and skippers to think about how a man overboard can be prevented, the benefits of wearing flotation devices when working on deck, and how a potentially unconscious person might be recovered from the water.”
At the exhibition, the MAIB will also launch its Fishing Safety Digest 2010, which contains a collection of easily readable articles identifying the lessons learned from a variety of recent accidents. This publication, and other selected investigation reports, will be available free of charge at the MAIB stand.
Meanwhile, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will be focusing on the importance of wearing a lifejacket on deck. It will also provide advice to owners on crew emergency drills, alcohol and drug policies, and safety courses.
The MCA stand will be staffed by those who assist in policy-making, providing skippers with an opportunity to discuss current regulations. The MCA will also be asking visitors to complete a questionnaire that will give them the opportunity to talk to the Agency and the chance to win a colour CCTV system from Globe Marine Ltd for their vessel. A selection of safety and promotional material will also be available.
Fran McIntyre, managing director of Fishing 2010 organiser QD Events, said: “Fishing is an inherently dangerous profession and this is why we were keen that Fishing 2010 should highlight some of the measures that fisherman can take to help to improve safety.”
Fishing 2010 will be held at the SECC in Glasgow from 20-22 May. It is the UK’s only annual commercial fishing exhibition and attracts visitors and exhibitors from around the world.
More information at www.fishingexpo.co.uk
Should people be 'stimulated' to eat white fish alternatives to cod?
