Don’t Upset Your Boat

Poor stability continues to be a cause of vessel loss and death. There are a number of ways to reduce the risk to yourself and your vessel.

1. Check you and your crew don’t overload your vessel, piling too many pots on deck can reduce stability
2. Check you and your crew secure gear when not in use
3. Check that scuppers and freeing ports are not blocked or shut.
4. Check that the non-return flaps operate
5. Check that water in fish boxes can drain away.
6. Don’t allow water to be trapped on deck, keep it as clear as possible and allow water to drain
7. Check the bilge alarms are working by testing them before every trip
8. Check the bilges are dry regularly.
9. Check seacocks and valve chests are accessible and working effectively before every trip
10. Check your pipework: check the whole pipe if one section springs a leak and don’t just replace the failed part, it could all be faulty.
11. Adding a Netdrum, shelter or enlarging one already fitted can be dangerous, seek advice before doing it

If you are in any doubt, get an expert to check it out.