Safety bulletin 32 - Vessel modifications increasing risk of capsize
Published 4 September 2023
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MSN1871 Amendment 2, The Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Fishing Vessels of less than 15m LOA, requires that all modifications are approved by the MCA. Since 6 September 2021, this includes an assessment of the effect of those modifications on the vessel’s stability.
Modifications that may affect the stability of the vessel include altering or modifying the structure of that vessel, removing, replacing or repositioning engines or machinery or changing to a new method of fishing and/or gear.
Recent incident and inspections have identified that vessels which were modified prior to 6 September 2021 increased the risk of capsize.
If you have undertaken a modification that has not been approved by the MCA, you must assess your vessel’s stability now and notify the MCA of the result immediately.
If the vessel does not meet the acceptable test criteria, you will need to discuss remedial action with the MCA.
You can find details of what tests are suitable for your vessel and how to conduct them in MGN503 – Procedure for carrying our Small Fishing Vessel Stability Tests
If you continue to operate your vessel with modifications that have not been assessed you may be placing the life of both you and your crew at risk.