(NC) – Every year, fish harvesters die when their vessels capsize. Stability refers to a vessel's ability to withstand high winds, waves and other forces and resist capsizing by righting itself after being heeled over. Stability can be affected by a wide variety of forces such as the movement of fish or liquid in partially filled tanks or fish holds, loose water or fish on deck, heavy ice and heavy loads. Overloading and the associated reduction of freeboard are also major factors leading to fishing vessels capsizing. These factors, however, can be controlled.
To avoid vessel instability, Transport Canada suggests:
Assess your vessel's stability regularly.
Have all significant changes made to your vessel verified by a naval architect.
Be very careful about any change that may impact the vessel's safe weight distribution or the watertight integrity of the hull and the superstructure.
Wear your lifejacket when working on deck in case of capsizing. For more information, please consult Transport Canada's Ship Safety Bulletin Fishing Vessel Safety Record of Modifications available online at www.tc.gc.ca/MarineSafety/bulletins/2008/01-eng.htm or visit your nearest Transport Canada Centre.
-News Canada
No comments:
Post a Comment