Seafarers UK is embarking on a campaign to encourage boat owners, skippers and crews to use a unique safety aid for professional fishers.
Created by Seafarers UK trustee, Robert Greenwood, the Safety Folder is a free online resource that aims to improve safety culture on board, primarily by making it easier to maintain records and record risk assessments.
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency recommends the use of the Safety Folder on the grounds that its use can ‘assist you with preparing for your survey and inspection and may save you time and money by shortening the time MCA spends on your vessel and avoid return visits.’
Since its launch in 2012, the Safety Folder has been adopted by half of active fishing vessels in the UK. It enables the conducting and recording of risk assessments, supports compliance with ILO C188 regulations, keeps track of crew training and provides automated reminders of expiry dates for equipment certification, servicing and vessel maintenance.
Robert Greenwood said that funding from Seafarers UK would enable a shift from a volunteer endeavour to a more formal structure, including the creation of a community interest company.
“It will also enable a programmer's time to be given to website development in order to improve navigation and retrieval of information for users, as well as add a calendar of key dates and automated reminders about equipment safety checks,” he said.
