The MCA has published a new set of COMPULSORY provisions for the wearing of PFDs (Personal Flotation Device) aboard fishing vessels. here is a summary of the provision contained in the M Notice.
Where risks cannot be reduced to a safe level by other measures, personal protective equipment must be provided and used.
Statistics show that there is a significant risk of fishermen working on open decks falling overboard.
Following risk assessment, measures should be established to reduce the risk of fishermen falling overboard wherever practicable. MGN 571(F) gives guidance on preventing man overboard on fishing vessels.
MCA will expect to see a record of any risk assessment and measures put in place.
From the date of publication of this Notice, failure to ensure the provision and wearing of PFDs and/or fall restraint harnesses by all fishermen working where there is a risk of falling overboard will be considered by the MCA to be a breach of health and safety legislation.
The only exception to this is where the fishing vessel owner can demonstrate, through a documented risk assessment, that the risk of falling overboard has been eliminated by other measures.