This project will field-test an early warning monitor which alerts the crew to dangerous conditions on board which could lead to the vessel capsizing.
£35,490
5 Months
Commercial fishing is the most dangerous industry in the UK. It has been estimated that fishers are over 100 times more likely to be killed at work than the average employee in the population.
From accident reports, Hook Marine Ltd identified inadequate vessel stability as the main cause of vessel losses at sea. There are many causes of declining stability on a vessel, including water ingress to the hull, growth of ice on the vessel superstructure, cargo shifting, and alterations to the balance of the vessel due to modifications being carried out. Inadequate stability can result in a vessel capsizing, and it is important for the crew to be aware of the changing value of stability while fishing, and during the entire voyage.
The stability reserves of a vessel will change as fuel burn and water consumption alter the centre of gravity on board, and fishing operations can add to the problem during lifting or fishing operations.
Hook Marine Ltd is developing an early warning monitor to alert the crew to dangerous conditions on board. The SeaWise® monitor can be fitted in the vessel wheelhouse and is suitable for both new and existing vessels. Installation and calibration take only a few minutes to complete.
During this phase of the project, progress was made on:
– Assessing performance on various vessel types and in different fisheries.
– Assessing the effects of various sea states on the calibration of the monitor.
– Noting feedback from skippers and crews, and considering training requirements.
Hook Marine Ltd