Vessel Pre-departure and Deck Safety Procedure

Purpose. Describes the checks and briefings that must be completed before every fishing trip and the deck safety rules that apply while fishing, under the vessel safety management system.

1.Before departure

The master must confirm that the vessel survey, certificate of operation and crew certificates are current, that the weather forecast has been checked and the trip plan lodged with the office, and that the pre-departure checklist has been completed and recorded in the Catch and Vessel Log. No vessel will leave the wharf with an outstanding critical defect.

2.Pre-departure checklist

The checklist covers hull, engine, steering, fuel and water, bilge pumps and alarms, navigation lights and electronics, radio and emergency beacon, life raft and life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, first aid kit, winch and lifting gear, gear and bycatch reduction devices, ice and refrigeration, and food and water for the trip length plus a reserve.

3.Crew briefing

The master must brief the crew before departure on the trip plan, the weather, the roles on deck, the emergency stations for fire, flooding, person overboard and abandon ship, and any hazards specific to the trip. New crew must complete the vessel induction and be shown the location of every item of safety equipment before the vessel leaves the wharf.

4.Deck rules

Personal flotation devices must be worn on deck at all times when gear is being worked and at night. Crew must stay clear of running ropes, warps and the winch drum, must never step in a bight, and must not work the deck alone at night. Deck lighting must be on, non-slip surfaces maintained and the deck kept clear of loose gear.

• Personal flotation device on deck when working gear
• Never step in a bight of rope
• Keep hands clear of the winch drum and blocks
• No one on deck alone at night

5.Catch handling

Catch must be sorted quickly, undersize and protected species returned to the water alive, and retained catch chilled in ice slurry or the refrigerated hold to the temperature and time in the food safety program. Catch weights by species must be recorded in the Catch and Vessel Log and reported to the fisheries regulator as required.

6.Fatigue and watches

The master must set a watch roster that gives every crew member the rest required by the safety management system. Crew must report fatigue, and the master must alter the fishing plan where fatigue is affecting safety.