Survitec helps prepare Small Fishing Vessel Operators for MCA’s new Safety Equipment and Safety Practice Regulations

Safety solutions provider Survitec is assisting fishing vessel owners and operators in preparation for significant changes being introduced by the Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA).  This follows investigation findings by the Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) as a result of many accidents at sea onboard fishing vessels.

The Marine Safety Notice (MSN) 1871 is the new code of practice for the safety of small fishing vessels of less than 15m length overall, which replaces the existing standard MSN 1813. MSN 1871 applies to inflatable and emergency communication products including liferafts, location beacons (EPIRBS), GPS, personal locator beacons (PLB) and radar reflectors. There are also guidance notices with regards to use of lifejackets.   

These requirements come into force in the UK on 23rd October 2019 for existing vessels. All vessels, including new and existing ones, that are being registered to become fishing boats for the first time, must comply immediately.

This feeds into MGN 553 which was released in September 2016 with regards to the use of non-SOLAS approved safety products, key changes operators must now make include:

• If using a non-SOLAS approved liferaft the liferaft must now be ISO approved, this means the maximum capacity for any one liferaft is 12, those seeking a higher capacity can either opt to have more than one liferaft onboard or switch to a SOLAS approved liferaft with a higher capacity.
• Servicing of all safety product must now be completed in accordance with the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) guidelines, if using a partner for your servicing needs these should be pre-approved by the OEM.

Richard Robinson, Head of Technical Sales said: “As a global leader in safety and survival, Survitec makes every effort to understand, promote and adhere to the regulations effecting our markets. As a result of the new mandate for small shipping vessels, it is crucial that we assist UK fishermen with these new requirements, and help to ensure that our operators have the upgraded safety equipment they need to comply.”

Survitec is now preparing customers and operators for the change, ensuring they have the necessary information and tools to become compliant with the new safety equipment and practice regulations for onboard fishing vessels.

Operators can contact Survitec on: +44 (0) 151 650 5600 for more information including regulatory advice and guidance. 

For further information on the Marine Safety Notice 1871 Construction, please read here.

For further information on Survitec’s Marine Safety Services, please read here.