MIN 625 (M+F) Construction Standards for Fishing Vessels of Less than 15m LOA - Reboarding Ladders
Updated 29 September 2022
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1. Introduction/Background
1.1 An amendment to section 11.11 of the Seafish Construction Standards in relation to reboarding ladders became effective on 28th August 2013. Details of the amendment are detailed below.
1.2 As of 21st July 2020, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) will undertake the survey of new building fishing vessels of less that 24m registered length to Fishing Vessel Construction and Outfit Standards, following the decision of Seafish to cease undertaking this work.
1.3 As part of a smooth transition, the MCA will continue to implement the amendments announced by Seafish via their SFIN (Seafish Information Note) publications regarding the applicable construction standards. This MIN transfers SFIN 10 into the MCA publication portfolio.
2. Construction Standards for Reboarding Ladders
2.1 As of 28th August 2013, the following amendments should have been applied, and continue to be applicable, in relation to reboarding ladders on vessels of less than 15m LOA, built to the Seafish Construction Standards and, from 21st July 2020, to vessels built in accordance with MGN 628 Section 11.11.
2.1.1 All vessels to be fitted with a permanently mounted reboarding ladder that can be deployed from a man overboard position (ie. it must be possible to deploy the ladder from in the water). The ladder is to be capable of extending from the gunwale/bulwark top to 600mm below the waterline.
2.1.2 The reboarding ladder should be of firm construction and fit for purpose. Rope and webbing ladders will only be accepted as reboarding ladders if they are of a type approved by the MCA or a classification society. All ladders are required to be permanently fixed to the vessel.
2.1.3 The reboarding ladder may be made up of more than one construction type to achieve the full extension required for boarding. For example, an extending ladder may be fitted in conjunction with fixed rungs or hand holds in the bulwark. In all cases, the ladder must enable a person to board the vessel from a man overboard position.
2.2 Where information in this notice contradicts the Seafish Construction Standards, or MGN 628, this notice is to take priority.
3. More Information
Fishing Safety Team
Maritime and Coastguard Agency,
Bay 2/22
Spring Place,
105 Commercial Road,
Southampton,
SO15 1EG.
Tel: +44 (0) 203 817 2454
e-mail: fishing@mcga.gov.uk