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Fishing

A number of deaths have occurred as a result of workplace incidents on fishing vessels. According to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, two primary causes identified are stability issues (capsizing, flooding and sinking) and falling overboard (and not being able to re-board). However, conditions can be safe if everyone involved in the operation is aware of their responsibilities and is committed to safe working practices. Think ahead, stay alert, be organized and work together.

Hazards must be identified and steps must be taken to eliminate or minimize the risk as much as possible by controlling the hazard at the source (through elimination or substitution), along the path (using safeguarding, barriers or relocation) or at the worker level (administrative controls, such as training, safe work procedures, housekeeping and personal protective equipment) or using combinations of all three. Prior to sailing, always ensure your vessel is ready and capable to travel. For more information, visit the hazards section of our website.

Safety requirements

Fishing vessels shorter than 24.4 metres and not more than 150 gross tonnage must be in compliance with safety requirements as outlined in Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations. The safety requirements have been determined on the basis of risk, which is further based on a vessel’s hull length, type of operation and type of voyage.

Based on the hull length of the vessel and class of voyage, specific requirements for firefighting equipment (e.g., fire extinguishers), life-saving equipment (e.g., life raft, personal floatation devices, immersion suits, floatation devices-lifebuoys) are stated in the regulations.

Safe work procedures must be developed and implemented to familiarize workers with hazards, safe working practices, proper use and maintenance of equipment (including towing/lifting equipment) and PPE, safe operating limits, maintaining water and weather tightness, safe loading/unloading of fish catches/baits, emergency (in events of fires, flooding, etc.) and rescue (e.g., crew member falling overboard) measures.

Proper crew training is essential to keeping a safe vessel and preventing incidents. Also, safe work procedures for working alone or in isolation must be developed and implemented according to Part 9 of The Workplace Safety and Health Regulation (WSH Regulation) MR 217/2006, including an effective communication system from vessel to shore (such as a satellite radio).

Legislation

According to the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation, Canadian Standards Association (CSA), and Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB):

  • A life jacket or personal floatation device must be provided to each worker aboard and must be kept within immediate reach of the worker. In the event of a worker being alone on the vessel, he or she must wear a life jacket or personal floatation at all times.
  • When applicable, workers must be provided with a full-body suit protecting them from hypothermia and buoyancy equipment meeting the applicable CGSB standard or a full-body floatation suit meeting the same buoyancy requirements and protecting them from hypothermia.
  • A first aid kit must be available and located in an area easily accessible to all workers (number must be determined in accordance with the requirements of Part 5.12(1) of the WSH Regulation, MR 217/2006 and CSA Z1220:24, first aid kits for the workplace).

Stability requirements

  • Ensure any modifications to the vessel do not affect its stability. If applicable, have stability assessments (full or simplified) done by a competent person as per the requirements of the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulation.
  • Do not exceed the capacity of the vessel at any time. Do not place loads in such a manner that causes instability. For example, loading traps too high may cause the boat to capsize. Stacking too many traps on one side may cause the boat to list.

If your vessel is used for more than one purpose, such as commercial fishing and carrying passengers, it must meet the applicable fishing vessel requirements (as per Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations) when you are fishing and the requirements of the Small Vessel Regulations for passenger vessels when you are carrying passengers.

Related links

Health and safety topic list