The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency has published MGN165 Amendment 2 (F) which shows guidance on how to reduce the risk of flooding and the action to take if flooding occurs on fishing vessels.
MGN165 Amendment 2 (F) fishing vessels: risk of flooding provides guidance on bilge systems, during construction and operation, to help reduce the number of vessels and lives lost as a result of flooding.
It noted that MAIB investigations into fishing vessel losses continue to show flooding as the primary cause. Between 2016 and 2024, 86 vessels were involved in flooding or foundering incidents. Of these, 29 vessels were lost.
Reducing the risk – during construction and refits
A vessel shall always be maintained to the standard it was built to comply with and any modifications to a vessel shall meet the relevant Construction and Outfit Standards or the Standards of a Recognised Organisation appropriate to the length of the vessel.
Based on vessel age and survey type a more invasive survey regime for fishing vessels will be conducted. For example:
- satisfactory visual external examination and a functional test at working pressure at annual surveys for over 24 metre vessels and intermediate inspection of under 24 metre vessels;
- additional internal examination of a sample of pipes selected at intermediate surveys for over 24 metre vessels; and
- Internal examination and pressure testing, or thickness measurement at Renewal surveys for vessels over 10 years unless proven that pipes have been renewed in the last five years.
The notice also recommends owners and skippers consider use additional or alternative equipment, such as salvage pumps, propeller shaft-mounted pumps and secondary bilge alarms, to reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding.
It also provides guidance on the actions to take in the event of flooding and on preventing and dealing with flooding in shelter decks, as well as reminding owners that vessels must be maintained in accordance with accepted/recognised construction standards and ensure modifications comply with these standards.
Read the notice in full: MCA - MGN165 Amendment 2 (F) fishing vessels-risk of flooding