Question 1

What is the "Wolfson Method" used for under the Code of Practice for the Safety of Fishing Vessels less than 15m LOA?

Accepted Answer

A simplified stability assessment method, developed for small fishing vessels, used to generate practical stability guidance (the Wolfson Stability Notice) without requiring a full naval-architect inclining experiment The Wolfson Method was developed (by the Wolfson Unit) specifically to give owners of small fishing vessels — who may not have access to full naval architecture support — a practical, affordable way to assess and demonstrate their vessel's stability, with the output displayed aboard as the Wolfson Stability Notice.

Question 2

What is the principal cause of fatal accidents on UK fishing vessels, according to the long-running pattern identified by MAIB investigations?

Accepted Answer

Capsize or foundering, very often linked to loss of stability while hauling or shooting gear, downflooding through open or unsecured openings, or overloading Capsize/foundering, frequently triggered by a stability event during gear hauling/shooting (e.g. a snagged trawl pulling the vessel over) combined with downflooding through an open door, hatch, or freeing port, is the single most consistent cause of fishing vessel loss of life in UK waters — which is why the Small Fishing Vessel Code places such heavy emphasis on stability and watertight integrity.

Question 3

What is the purpose of a Roll Test or Heel Test, as referenced in MGN 503, and when must it be repeated?

Accepted Answer

It provides a practical measure of the vessel's stability characteristics (roll period or angle of heel under a known force); it must be repeated under the same loading condition at each certificate renewal and whenever the vessel is modified or changes fishing method A vessel's stability characteristics change with structural modifications, added equipment (e.g. new gear, additional deck machinery), or a change in fishing method (e.g. converting from static gear to trawling), so the test must be repeated under matching conditions whenever these change, and at each certificate renewal, not treated as a one-time certification.