Fishing insurer puts safety first at Skipper Expo

Commercial fishing remains one of the most hazardous occupations, says Tom Rutter, CEO of Sunderland Marine

Fishing vessel insurer Sunderland Marine is putting safety at the top of its agenda during Skipper Expo International Aberdeen this month.

During the show, Sunderland Marine will be presenting an animated version of its graphic-novel-style guide ‘Safe Out, Safe Home: A Safety Guide for New Fishing Crew’.

“Commercial fishing remains one of the most hazardous occupations and those who work in the industry face the risk of serious injury or loss of life on a daily basis,” said Sunderland Marine CEO, Tom Rutter.

“Following our successful merger with North P&I Club, we are now investing significantly to promote loss prevention and safer working environments on all fishing vessels - and see Skipper Expo as an ideal opportunity to support this.”

Sunderland Marine’s guide, published last October, has already been distributed to fishing vessels worldwide. Aimed primarily at young people joining fishing vessels for the first time, the guide is designed to give them a quick introduction to the safety training and familiarisation they should receive on board - as well as to prompt skippers to provide this.

“By animating the guide and showing it on our stand, we hope to capture visitors’ attention and convince them of the importance of making fishing boats safer places to work,” added Rutter. “As the leading international insurer of fishing vessels, with over 8,000 policyholders worldwide, we are acutely aware of the many, sometimes avoidable, accidents that occur at sea. All of us connected with the maritime industry share a responsibility to ensure safe working conditions. As well as reducing unnecessary pain and suffering, fewer accidents mean more profitable fishing and lower insurance premiums, so everyone benefits.”

Sunderland Marine will be exhibiting on stand 36-37 at the show, to be held at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre on 26-27 May.

Prior to the show, Sunderland Marine will be sponsoring the ‘Contribution to Safety’ prize at the 2017 Fishing News Awards.

- See more at: http://www.worldfishing.net/news101/industry-news/fishing-insurer-puts-safety-first-at-skipper-expo#sthash.wqdaPrcZ.dpuf