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Fishing vessel stability – Proving the principles

1150-20 U 1998
(98FS-40)

Issue:

To improve fishermen’s knowledge of how a fishing vessel’s stability can be compromised.

Agency:

Universal Marine Consultants (West Coast) Ltd.

Representatives:

Murdoch Matheson and Barb Howe, Quinte Marine Services Ltd.

Funding:

$50,000

Context: Since 1985 over one hundred fatalities in the fishing industry have been attributed to either compromised vessel stability or vessel overloading. It is believed that training in these areas is not getting to those operating and crewing fishing vessels.

Objective: To increase skippers’ and crews’ awareness and understanding of fishing vessel stability issues by offering hands-on training using a 1/16th scale free-floating model of a west coast seiner.

Design: Training sessions using a 1/16th scale free-floating model of a seining vessel, were held at several locations. Training sessions demonstrated:

  • vessel righting energy in various conditions of load,
  • the "free surface" effect of water on deck,
  • the effect of unintentional flooding in the lazarette or engine room,
  • the angle of loll,
  • lifting weights over the stern or side,
  • carrying traps on deck,
  • the influence of structural modifications on vessel stability, and
  • how trim and reduced freeboard affect the ability of the vessel to return to the upright when heeled by an external force,

Participants were asked to complete a brief evaluation form at the conclusion of each session. Two sessions were offered using a Vietnamese translator.

Setting: Numerous fishing-related venues along the west coast of British Columbia, Canada.

Subjects: Approximately 500 fishermen and other interested individuals from various coastal communities attended the training sessions. Questionnaires were completed by 247 participants.

Main Outcome Measures: Participants’ evaluation of the merits of the training session.

Results: Responses on the evaluation questionnaire were all positive, with 100% indicating that they would recommend the session to friends. Nearly all respondents indicated that the session had helped them to understand the principles of stability.

Conclusion: Demonstrating the principles of fishing vessel stability using a 1/16th scale free floating model was informative and well received.

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