Guidance

MIN 627 (M+F) Construction Standards for Fishing Vessels of Less than 15m LOA - Hatch Drains

Updated 29 September 2022

This guidance was withdrawn on

This MIN has expired. You can now find guidance on this topic in MGN 628 (M+F) Amendment 1: Construction and outfit standards for fishing vessels of less than 15m length overall - GOV.UK.

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/min-627-mf-construction-standards-for-fishing-vessels-of-less-than-15m-loa-hatch-drains/min-627-mf-construction-standards-for-fishing-vessels-of-less-than-15m-loa-hatch-drains

1. Introduction/Background

1.1 An amendment to section 3.1 of the Seafish Construction Standards in relation to hatch drains became effective on 11th March 2014. 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 12 into the MCA publication portfolio.

2. Construction Standards for Hatch Covers

2.1 As of 11th March 2014, the following amendments should have been applied, and continue to be applicable, in relation to hatch drains 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 3.1:

2.1.1 Where drainpipes are fitted from recessed channels of flush hatches to discharge at ship sides, shut-off valves should be fitted at the hull side and must be accessible. The requirement for a non-return valve shall not apply to hatch drains.

2.1.2 The shut-off valve may be omitted if the hatch drain discharge is located higher than 300mm above the waterline and the drainpipe is of equivalent material and thickness to that of the hull, and permanently moulded (or welded) in place without separable joints.

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

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