The fishing industry is being reminded that changes to some types of vessels must be signed off for safety reasons because of the serious risk they will become unstable as a result.

Anyone who modifies a fishing boat that is less than 15 metres in length must have it assessed and the result approved by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

It must also include an assessment to make sure the modifications do not affect the fishing boat’s stability. Recent incidents and also inspections by the MCA have shown that such modifications can seriously increase the likelihood of capsize.

Modifications that may affect the stability of the vessel include altering or modifying the structure of that vessel, removing, replacing or repositioning engines or machinery or changing to a new method of fishing and/or gear.

Anyone who has made modifications that have not been approved by the MCA must carry out a stability assessment and inform the MCA of the results.

See MGN 503 – Procedure for carrying our Small Fishing Vessel Stability Tests on GOV.UK for details on the tests.

If a boat fails to meet the standards of that stability test, owners must speak to the MCA as soon as possible about how to carry out the necessary remedial work.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said:

“This is about safety. Modifications to fishing boats can have serious effects on the vessel’s stability. We’re urging all fishers who have boats of less than 15 metres in length and have carried out any modifications that they’ve not told us about to get in touch with the MCA immediately.”

A safety bulletin has been published today (4 September) reiterating to fishers who are using boats less than 15 metres in length with unsigned off modifications could put them and their crews at risk.

You can read the safety bulletin on GOV.UK at Safety bulletin 32 - Vessel modifications increasing risk of capsize.