European guide for risk prevention in small fishing vessels

The guide is designed to prevent risks arising on and around small fishing vessels and for those working on them, so that both the vessels and their crews return safe and sound after a trip. It is written in plain language, the texts are brief and focused but altogether comprehensive.

The report on the practical implementation of Directives 93/103/EC (fishing vessels) and 92/29/EEC (medical treatment on board vessels) concluded that there has been no significant impact of those regulations for crews in small fishing vessels; and they recommended the drawing up of a non-binding guide for vessels under 15m in length. Given that these vessels account for about 80% of the EU’s entire fishing fleet and that fatalities, injuries and lost vessels are currently at unacceptable levels, this guide is critical in preventing risks and protecting the wider fishing communities.

The different modules in the guide focus on key areas, notably the vessel, the crew, fishing operations, real case events, risk assessment and additional information such as on flotation devices, boat stability, first aid, work equipment and emergency drills. A glossary along with illustrations, photos and charts serve to highlight the important points in the guide, making it an extremely user-friendly reference.

The 180 pages manuscript was completed in March 2016.