Fishing vessels – housekeeping

Outline:

A report outlining significant housekeeping issues in a fishing port which appear to have become a “standard” of normal operation.

What the Reporter told us:

When walking from the ferry landing point, I was aware of the large amount of fishing equipment left discarded around the harbour. I attach photographs showing a mass of fishing equipment on both sides of the access route for passengers using the ferry.

The notice on the right-hand picture states that fishing gear left here will be removed

The left-hand picture shows a large amount of discarded / old equipment close to the dock edge and the access ladder for crew. Fishing gear is permitted to be stowed there but the manner in which it has been done in this case generates plenty of safety hazards. Fishing gear is not permitted to be stowed in the vicinity of the area shown in the right-hand picture. The Harbour Authority notice was clearly not obeyed by fishermen or enforced by the Harbour Master.

A fishing vessel under repair, shown below, had an LPG canister and what appears to be gas cutting equipment discarded on deck and not stowed safely. There were no crew members onboard.

The large number of hazards can clearly be seen. Perhaps with CHIRP’s guidance and encouragement the port authority can be encouraged to improve their risk management and reduce the likelihood of injury to third parties using their facilities.

CHIRP wrote to the Harbour Authority but did not receive a response.

CHIRP Comment:

The Maritime Advisory Board commented that the report indeed shows significant housekeeping issues. There is a duty of care to protect everybody within the port and the fishermen. It was mentioned that the costs involved in simple housekeeping were far less than the costs associated with an accident, prosecution, or indeed litigation from a third party.

In the United Kingdom, the HSE document Approved Code of Practice and guidance (ACOP) covers safety in dock operations and is aimed at those who have a duty to comply with provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This includes people who control dock premises, suppliers of plant and equipment, dock employers, managers, safety officers, safety representatives and workers. It also advises upon the use of risk assessment and establishment of controls. In addition there is the MCA/DfT Port Marine Safety Code. Internationally, other countries will have their own legislation covering safety in ports.

Report Ends………………………………………..