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Fishing vessel stability backgrounder

Supporting documents

Both the Transportation Safety Board and WCB records show insufficient fishing vessel stability, whether from poor design, maintenance, modification, operating practice or a combination of these factors, has contributed to many vessels capsizing with an unacceptable loss of life.

How many fishing vessels have capsized?
From 1975 2002 the Transportation Safety Board (TSB) reported 152 fishing vessels capsized.

How many lives were lost?
From 1975 - 2002 TSB recorded 61 persons lost.

In the period 1991 - 2002 the WCB recorded 63 fishermen died with 27 or 43% being the result of drowning following the capsizing of a vessel.

How can stability be an issue when many of the vessels have fished safely for years?
The first one or two modifications may not have an effect; but over a number of years the cumulative changes may result in a vessel that is quite different from the original design or purpose. A qualified naval architect can calculate the impact of the modifications.

How do changes in operation affect vessel stability?
Operational decisions such as using a heavier net, having a skiff up or towed, how much load is on board or vessel speed relative to sea conditions all impact stability. Accurate, up-to-date data will assist the operator make appropriate decisions.

Can a skipper rely on his "years of experience" to help him make decisions about vessel stability?
A skipper with experience on a specific vessel may generally rely on the feel of the boat at small angles of heel; but for larger angles, or a vessel he does not generally operate, he should base stability decisions on documentation provided by the owner and as required by the WCB.

What can a skipper do to ensure the crew understands the importance of stability?
He can talk to new and experienced crew members to determine their understanding relative to the vessel they are on and may reference the vessel's stability book or documentation such as posters or other illustrations and give specific instructions that include when to sound an alarm or alert the skipper.

How will the new WCB stability poster be distributed?
Through a partnership with the B.C. Seafood Alliance the poster will be mailed directly to over 3,300 licensed vessel operators in B.C. At the same time they will be provided with the revised manual 'Gearing Up for Safety', a new bulletin on cold-water immersion and a new hazard alert 'Quick death follows cold water immersion.