Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Commercial fishers must follow these safety standards for life-saving gear and vessel stability to stay legal on the water.
These regulations set the mandatory safety standards that must be met to ensure your commercial fishing vessel is safe for use on the water.
Who it's for
These regulations are designed for all commercial fishers. If you operate a vessel for commercial fishing purposes, you are required to meet these safety standards to remain compliant with national maritime rules.
What you get
By following these regulations, you achieve legal compliance for your vessel. This ensures your boat meets the necessary standards for stability and is equipped with the correct life-saving appliances required to operate safely at sea. Meeting these requirements is the only way to stay on the water legally and ensure your equipment is up to code.
What it costs you
Compliance requires a significant financial investment in specialized safety equipment. You will need to budget for essential gear including life rafts, immersion suits, and emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs). These tools are necessary to meet the safety mandates set by the governing body.
The catch to know
A common mistake made by operators is ignoring stability assessments. Many fishers do not address vessel stability until an inspector boards the vessel. It is important to manage these assessments proactively so you do not have to deal with fines or being barred from the water due to non-compliance.
How to apply
- Review the specific safety requirements for your specific vessel type.
- Invest in and equip your vessel with the required life-saving appliances, such as life rafts and immersion suits.
- Ensure your vessel has the required emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs).
- Arrange for a formal assessment to verify your vessel's stability.
- Maintain all safety equipment to ensure it is ready for any official inspections.