Question 1

Why does the Code of Practice place such emphasis on watertight and weathertight integrity (doors, hatches, vents, freeing ports) specifically for fishing vessels, more so than might be expected for a similarly-sized non-fishing small craft?

Accepted Answer

Fishing vessels routinely operate with reduced freeboard from catch/gear weight, work in exposed sea conditions while gear is deployed (limiting manoeuvring freedom to seek shelter), and the deck working environment makes openings being left open during operations more likely The combination of routinely reduced stability margin during fishing operations, commitment to working an area regardless of building weather (gear deployed), and a working deck environment where doors/hatches are used frequently during operations, makes watertight integrity a higher and more immediate risk factor on fishing vessels than on many other small craft types.

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.