Emergency Contact Recommendations for crews on fishing vessels Home Latest updates Publications Recommendations for crews on fishing vessels 12 Sept 2014 Download page as PDF Sign up for alerts Category: Safety Issue date: 11/01/2013 Area: Worldwide We would like to make our Members aware of the notice issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) www.cdc.gov/niosh concerning fishing vessel operations and the recommendations for ensuring safety of life at sea. Vessel Disasters Take a marine safety class at least once every five years – Safety training for fishermen is available, affordable, and saves lives. All fishermen should learn and know how to use basic lifesaving equipment like immersion suits, life rafts, EPIRBs and fire extinguishers. Perform monthly drills: Abandon ship, Flooding, Fire – Safety training equips fishermen with survival skills and knowledge. Monthly drills give fishermen an opportunity to practice and re-enforce those skills. Test immersion suit for leaks – When watertight, immersion suits provide thermal protection and flotation in cold water. If an immersion suit has leaks, it will provide less protection from cold water. Instructions for inflation testing immersion suits are available at www.amsea.org. Heed weather forecasts and avoid fishing in severe sea conditions – Make the decision to stay in port when the seas are too rough for your vessel to operate in. Keep track of forecasts and seek shelter before the storm arrives or intensifies beyond the safe operating limits of your vessel. Maintain watertight integrity – Inspect and maintain the hull of your vessel and all through-hull fittings. When seas are rough, ensure that watertight doors and hatches are sealed. Inspect and test high water alarms regularly. Falls Overboard Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on deck – Falls overboard occur without warning or time t