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David Fenner, Head of Fishing Safety at the MCA, said:
“Fishing is still the most dangerous profession in the UK today and, whilst we are seeing improvements in safety, tragically there were seven lives lost in the industry last year, all of which could have been prevented. The introduction of ILO 188 at the end of 2018 was a considerable change in the way safety in the industry is managed. These regulations introduced new requirements for the safety and protection of fishers and powers of enforcement where unsafe practices are observed onboard.”
Neil Cunningham, Head of Enforcement at the MCA, went on to say:
“The biggest challenge to the MCA in ensuring requirements of regulations are followed has always been that we are unable to see what actually happens onboard a vessel once it leaves port. We will be using new resources including two new fixed-wing aircraft. While they are looking for pollution at sea or helping with searches, they will also give us the opportunity to have a clear sight into what is happening on vessels at sea and where it is clear that legal requirements are not being met (for example, not wearing a PFD) we will take appropriate action to continue to support the industry in improving safety. Appropriate and proportionate action will be considered and that may ultimately result in a prosecution.”
Source: HM Coastguard
