This project will enable further refinement of an early warning monitor which alerts the crew to dangerous conditions on board which could lead to the vessel capsizing.
£85,500
12 months
Commercial fishing is the most dangerous industry in the UK. It is estimated that fishers are over 100 times more likely to be killed at work than the average employee.
From accident reports, Hook Marine identified inadequate vessel stability as the main cause of vessel losses at sea. There are many causes of declining stability, including water ingress to the hull, growth of ice on the superstructure, cargo shifting, and alterations to the balance of the vessel due to modifications. Inadequate stability can result in a vessel capsizing, and it is important for the crew to be aware of changing stability while fishing, and during the entire voyage.
The stability reserves of a vessel will change as fuel and water consumption alter the centre of gravity on board, and fishing gear 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 on-board conditions. The SeaWise® monitor is fitted in the wheelhouse and can be installed in both new and existing vessels. Calibration takes only a few minutes to complete.
Earlier development proved the viability of the general principle and enabled values of metacentric height to be calculated from the rolling period of the vessels.
Phase 2 of the project will concentrate on
• Refining output on further vessel types and fisheries
• Assessing the effects of various sea states on the calibration of the monitor
• Receiving feedback from skippers and owners, and assessing training requirements
Hook Marine Ltd