Question 1

What should a skipper do if the catch, ice, fuel, or additional gear loaded during a trip causes the vessel to sit noticeably lower or with a different trim than the condition the stability information was based on?

Accepted Answer

Recognise that the vessel's actual stability margin may now differ from the certified condition, and adjust operations (reduce catch/load, redistribute weight, exercise extra caution with gear handling) rather than assuming the original stability notice still applies unchanged Stability information is calculated for specific loading conditions. A skipper who loads beyond, or in a different distribution to, the assessed condition is operating outside the basis of their stability information — they need to recognise this gap and adjust behaviour, not assume the certificate is a blanket guarantee regardless of actual condition on the day.

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 "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.