If you have been tuned in to the discussion on social media, it will not come as news to you that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have launched an open consultation on the revised small vessel code, MSN 1871. 

The new Code of Practice will affect all fishing vessels of less than 15m in length and, with a focus on safety, arrives at a critical moment when a great deal of attention is being brought to the fatalities suffered on small vessels over the years. 

The objectives are twofold: to reduce the number of lives lost at sea by improving safety standards on small fishing vessels, and to align these standards more closely with small commercial vessels and workboats. The newly proposed requirements span topics from watertight integrity, to electrical installations and man overboard recovery. 

In this comprehensive and incredibly useful episode, we hear from two of the most knowledgeable and experienced experts on practical safety. 

We first speak to Roger Gee, principal consultant surveyor at the MCA, to help us to unpick the lengthy draft code and reveal what these changes will mean for the small-scale fleet. We then talk with Clive Palfrey, Regional Safety Advisor at Seafood Cornwall Training and previous fisherman himself, who shares some practical guidance for the industry. 

This is what Fathom is all about: getting below the surface of complex fishing regulations. There is still time to engage in the open consultation and it is integral that all voices are heard, to ensure that the code works for the industry. By making the discussion transparent we hope to encourage as many fishermen as possible to contribute. 

Fathom hosts
Chris Ranford 
Paul Trebilcock 

Fathom guests 
Roger Gee, Principal Consultant Surveyor at the MCA 
Clive Palfrey, Regional Safety Advisor at Seafood Cornwall Training 

Links
MCA Small Vessel Code consultation