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Injuries at Sea

Moving platforms, sharp objects, slippery surfaces all seem like an accident waiting to happen. So howdo we manage to keep injuries at bay? Safety procedures, training and good housekeeping are seen askeys to preventing injuries on a fishing vessel. Fishermen share their safety tips (with permission fromWorkSafeBC Gearing up for Safety)

Safety Tips

Dive

Make sure flags (Dive and Alpha) are hoisted and visible

Use oversize anchor and chain for diving operations

Always check diver's reserve and ensure diver can turn it on

Gillnet

Have are re-boarding plan if you are working alone

Avoid travelling at night if possible

Be aware of the consequences of fatigue

Longline

Pay attention to weather forecasts

No loose ends! Keep all lines coiled and secured, including unused lengths

Mark longline gear with coloured tape or twine to indicate when you are coming to the end of a string ornear the anchor

Minimize muscle strains - keep wrists straight when working, especially when dressing and scraping fish.Take breaks to stretch wrists, back and other stressed muscles.

Packing

Check all valves, hatches, strongbacks, rigging and winch cables

Load tanks to optimize stability

Use standard hand signals when offloading and ensure boat crew and unloading vessel arecommunicating

Don't overload the brailers or tubs

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Seine

Make sure you have a procedure in place to release a set in case of an emergency

Don't bury the tow strap when drumming in the net

Make sure all crew know how to shut off the hydraulics in an emergency

Always wake up the skipper if unsure of anything while on the watch

Use colour coded controls

Close water tight doors and port holes when drying up

Don't leave heavy weights suspended from booms. Strap seine to cleat on deck to reduce the weight onthe boom

Trap

Keep hauler sheaves in good shape to avoid violent slipping, especially while coiling down

Avoid pre-building too many traps in rough weather as they can launch themselves from a rolling boat

Keep trap line bit tidy

Use your legs when lifting traps

Keep knives handy at all fishing stations

Otter Trawl

Make sure all crew are aware of danger zone when handling gear: davits, door pinch points, trawl winchand warps

Watch out for each other and remind each other to wear Pfds and hard hats at all times on deck

Avoid voice commands. Develop hand signals for the operation of all winches and ensure crew isfamiliar with them all

Keep all access doors closed and dogs secure

Re-secure deck scuttles/manhole covers after opening to put fish down

Be aware of the potential of breaking gear if the net hangs up-keep deck area clear at critical points

Troll

When fishing alone-always take the boat out of gear when transferring stations-cockpit to wheelhouse,etc.

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