Marine Services News

 

December 2007

Quarterly Newsletter

The first issue of a new quarterly email newsletter was issued this month by Seafish Marine Services. If you have not already received a copy and would like to subscribe then please send a request by email to newsletter@seafishmarineservices.com and include the word 'subscribe' in the subject line.

 

July 2007

Revised Code of Practice

In force as of 16 July is the new Code of Practice for Small Fishing Vessels MSN 1813 (F) - a revision of the 2001 Code of Practice. The original code has been refined and developed to address changes to the small fishing vessel sector and ultimately to improve safety levels.

The new code applies to all vessels under 15m length overall. All vessels will now require a Hull Construction Certificate and those between 7m and 15m will require both a Hull Construction Certificate and an Outfit Compliance Certificate. The table below highlights these changes to the code.

As of 16th July, these certificates will be required by the RSS (Registry of Shipping & Seamen) in Cardiff to allow the registration of any new boat as a commercial fishing vessel.

Both types of certificate are issued by Seafish upon successful completion of a vessel survey where the vessel is found to comply with the Seafish Construction Standards. Boat builders who are not familiar with Seafish or the Seafish Construction Standards may wish to download a Starter Pack which contains relevant information. Otherwise, please contact Seafish Marine Services for further details (see contact page).

Risk Assessment

A few amendments have been made to the Fishing Vessel Safety Folder, issued by Seafish, and a revised edition is now available both in hard copy and online (visit the 'Safety at Sea' section).

Seafish is also now offering guidance to fishermen who require help completing a risk assessment of their vessels using the Fishing Vessel Safety Folder. This service will be provided free-of-charge for a limited period, with funding supplied by FIFG. If you would like to be provided with guidance, please contact Seafish Marine Services.

In addition, a new safety booklet has been developed to help provide guidance for smaller vessels. The Small Vessel Safety Guidance Booklet includes a risk assessment sheet with simple step-by-step instructions and is available free-of-charge to fishermen in the UK.

Efficiency of Bilge Level Alarm Systems

Seafish Marine Services has conducted an investigation into the efficiency of various bilge level alarm systems and technologies, covering a range of popular methods for the detection of high water. The investigation is now complete and a report has been posted on this site.

 

January 2007

Lifejacket and Buoyancy Aid Acceptability Trials

The findings of the life jacket trials, jointly conducted by Seafish Marine Services and the RNLI, have now been issued in a report to industry. The report provides detailed information of each product tested and identifies problems encountered during trials. For more information, please contact Seafish Marine Services.

Aquila

Following successful sea trials, the new 14.95m Vivier Crabber, Aquila, left Whitby this month to head for its home port of Tobermory. The new vessel was designed by Ian Paton of S C McAllister & Co Ltd and built by Parkol Marine Engineering Limited. Seafish Marine Services performed regular inspections of the vessel throughout construction and provided the necessary certification of both the hull and outfit.

 

November 2006

MGN 331 (M+F)

The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Provision and Use of Work Equipment) Regulations 2006 were made on 8th August 2006 and come into force on 24th Novemeber 2006.

Marine Guidance Note MGN 331 (M+F) has been issued in relation to these regulations. For further details please contact either Seafish Marine Services or the MCA.

MGN 332 (M+F)

The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment) Regulations 2006 were made on 8th August 2006 and come into force on 24th Novemeber 2006.

Marine Guidance Note MGN 332 (M+F) has been issued in relation to these regulations. For further details please contact either Seafish Marine Services or the MCA.