The Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority (SFPA) would like to remind Masters of fishing vessels of their obligation to provide a safe boarding ladder for Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers (SFPOs) while boarding vessels for inspection purposes. The SFPA have recently reported cases of obstruction including failure to provide a boarding ladder or provision of a faulty boarding ladder. Undertaking vessel inspections at sea can be extremely hazardous. The absence of a boarding ladder or the provision of a faulty or dangerous ladder represents a serious risk to the life and safety of SFPOs undertaking this work.
Fishermen are required to facilitate inspection by having a boarding ladder that complies with Fisheries Control regulation. SFPOs are required to assess the risk of boarding a vessel before attempting to board and this may require them asking the Master of the vessel to provide a safe boarding ladder. SFPOs will only board a vessel when they consider it safe to do so.
Susan Steele, Chair of the SFPA said: ‘Safety is of paramount importance to our staff during inspections. Masters must provide all assistance to ensure the safety of the Sea-Fisheries Protection Officers and the safe operation of the vessel during the inspection which according to Regulation includes the provision of a safe boarding ladder.”
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For further press information, please contact Eleanor Buckley, Communications Manager, Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority on 023 88593 46/ 087 920 3658 or email eleanor.buckley@sfpa.ie.