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Fatigue deadly threat to commercial fishermen
2 men lost their lives in an accident last June, the cause of which the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) attributes to fatigue.
MAIB has issued a flyer urging fishermen to treat the issue seriously, the MAIB's investigative report relates how the stern trawler, Brothers BF138, grounded and sank off the north coast of Skye, the vessel probably grounded due to one of the crew falling asleep in the wheel house. The vessel continued on autopilot past the prawn fishing grounds and ran aground on the rocky shore.
Guidance gives minimum rest periods as:
10 hours in any 24-hour period;
77 hours in any 7-day period;
daily rest periods may be divided into no more than 2 periods, 1 of which shall be at least 6 hours in length; and
the interval between consecutive rest periods shall not exceed 14 hours.
Self-employed fisherman are not compelled to follow these rules, the detailed work hours can be found in the Merchant Shipping Notice (MSN) 1786(F), the Application of the Fishing Vessels (Working time: Sea Fisherman) Regulations 2004.
Comment:
"Prawn fishing is generally done during good weather and fisherman will work very long hours to make the most of it. This accident clearly shows the importance of being alert at work and ensuring that fisherman have regular and substantial breaks." - Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents.
