The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has recently published a guidance note reminding vessel owners and others of the need to ensure that safe means of access are provided to fishing vessels and other small vessels.

The person responsible for the provision of the access (usually the skipper/owner) should, as required by both Merchant Shipping and HSE legislation, carry out a risk assessment to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate safety precautions to mitigate the risk to an acceptable level. Wherever possible, the person responsible for the provision of the access should deal with hazards in a way that removes them completely.

IT IS VITAL THAT YOU READ THIS DOCUMENT AS FAILURE TO COMPLY COULD RESULT IN A VESSEL BEING PREVENTED FROM LEAVING PORT.

Please click here to read the guidance note in full.

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