FISHING INDUSTRY SAFETY GROUP 64th Meeting MCA - Southampton 1st November 2007
Attendees
Please note that all Actions from this meeting, in addition to appearing in these minutes where they occur, are also summarised at the end of this document. This is where any updates received to date are also shown.
64.1 CHAIRMAN’S INTRODUCTION 64.1.1 The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. He thanked George Geddes (SFF) in his absence for all the work he has done for FISG in the past, and welcomed Patrick Stewart back to FISG. 64.1.2. Apologies were received from: David Ralph (MCA) 64.1.3 The Chairman also briefed attendees on health and safety, emergency and administrative arrangements. 64.2 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING AND MATTERS ARISING Previous minutes 64.2.1 Simon Potten mentioned that in paragraph 63.9.1.4 “Simon Doggett” should read “Simon Potten”. Matt Giacomini said he would correct this. Action 64.2.1: Matt Giacomini to change “Simon Doggett” to read “Simon Potten” in FISG 63 minutes. Actions arising 64.2.2. Matt Giacomini explained that the outstanding Actions 63.7.1 and 63.7.3.A were in progress, but were part of leaflet projects and were being taken forward in line with the timetables for those. 64.2.3 Matt also explained that Actions 63.9.1.C and 63.9.1.D would be put on the legal forward look once priorities have been arranged with DfT centre. 64.2.4 Matt went on to say that Actions 63.10.1.A and 63.10.1.B had not been completed as they could not be actioned until the relevant Guidance for Survey and Inspection Chapters were at a sufficiently advanced stage. 64.2.5 In respect of Action 63.12.B, which was shown as COMPLETE, Jim Hudson, Dick James and George Traves expressed concerns that, although the fishing industry was represented on the Fishing Liaison Offshore Wind (FLOW) Group, and Nautical and Offshore Renewable Liaison (NOREL) Group, their views were not being taken seriously. George mentioned that it felt like the MCA were putting themselves forward as the enforcers, and were not being sensitive. 64.2.6 The Chairman said this must be addressed, and asked Paul Jackson to arrange a new Group in addition to FLOW to address these concerns. Action 64.2.2: Paul Jackson to arrange separate meeting to address the fishing industry’s concerns about their views in relation to offshore wind energy projects not being taken into account. 64.3 FIVE YEAR STRATEGY 64.3.1. The Chairman asked if members had any comments on the latest version of the Strategy document. 64.3.2 Matt Giacomini mentioned that, subsequent to the FISG papers being sent out, the document had now been amended to reflect that the next meeting of the Small Fishing Vessel Code Sub Group would be at a date to be confirmed, and the next meeting of the 24 metre and over Sub Group would be on completion of public consultation. 64.3.3 It was pointed out that the document had not been adjusted to reflect that meetings of the Technical Panel were now planned at the appropriate stages of the Guidance for Survey and Inspection (GSI) development. Matt said that he would arrange for this to be done. Action 64.3.1: Matt Giacomini to arrange for FISG Strategy Document to be adjusted to reflect planned meetings of the Technical Panel. 64.3.4 The Chairman went on to say that commercial fishing matters were expected to be the subject of a future Ministerial Target for the Agency, and that the MCA were discussing with DfT centre the idea of pursuing 3 to 5 year targets. He said that he intended that improved fishing safety would be a headline matter for the MCA over the coming years. 64.3.5 The Chairman also mentioned that members were aware that the Agency were looking at things like fatigue, and also mentioned risk awareness, structure and stability. He acknowledged Iain Campbell’s report on attitudes. 64.3.6 He suggested that a Working Group be formed to come up with ideas for appropriate Targets. 64.3.7 Jim Hudson said much of what was contained in the Report mentioned already existed elsewhere (eg., in the Risk Assessment folder). He stated that the author has admitted it is of limited use to fishermen. One of the things which came out of it was the need for induction training, but many fishermen, when asked, did not realise that this was the same as the skipper giving them a tour of the vessel when they first joined. (Post meeting note from Jim: Vessel Safety induction tours are nothing new and have been available on some 24+ vessels for almost a decade). 64.3.8 Patrick Stewart said the target idea had been attempted for a long time, but he would welcome and support clearly set out objectives and steps to achievement. He and the Chair agreed this would be more useful than ideas which glowed for a while and then disappeared. 64.3.9 Jim Evans expressed concern that the MCA always seemed to be playing “catch up” with European Legislation, and asked if more resources would be allocated to work on Targets. 64.3.10 The Chair responded by saying it would be necessary to do the work to establish priorities prior to making any decisions about this. 64.3.11 Roger Mason asked if the MCA was thinking of bidding for more money for fishing matters. The Chairman said this may be an outcome. 64.3.12 Nigel Blazeby that local engagement by the agency for fishing safety that was correct, focused and credible should be part of the way ahead and he gave Mike Collier’s work Newlyn as an example of correct application. 64.3.13 Patrick Stewart said human contact should be encouraged, and it was necessary to know how this would be executed and resourced. 64.3.14 George Traves said more resources were needed at a local level - and there should be a 5 year plan not a stop/start. Mike Davies said he and MCA colleagues had been looking at what could be done practically. 64.3.15 The Chairman said the MCA should not do it on its own, and asked for help. The meeting would be noted on the 5 year strategy document, and the Chairman agreed with Patrick Stewart that this was an essential initiative. Action 64.3.2: Matt Giacomini to arrange for FISG Strategy document to be adjusted to reflect Ministerial Target Group creation. Action 64.3.3: David Fenner to arrange creation of Ministerial Target Working Group. 64.4 SAFETY PROMOTION 64.4.1. Sub Group Chairman’s Summary Report 64.4.1.1 David Fenner presented this paper. A bid had been submitted for MCA attendance at the Fishing Exhibition 2008. 64.4.1.2 Jim Evans pointed out there were some mistakes in the Fishermen and Safety (A Guide to Safe Working Practices for Fishermen). He thought mistakes should be ironed out, in a meeting if necessary. Patrick Stewart drew attention to passages within the draft document which gave him concern particularly in relation to their legal implications. 64.4.1.3 Jim Hudson mentioned the draft Risk Assessment flyer required the Risk Assessment document to be signed, whereas there was not a legal requirement for a written assessment, although it was acknowledged that the MCA highly recommended doing one, as do NFFO and some other Federations. 64.4.1.4 David Fenner said that the Guide for Fishermen had been reviewed 3 or 4 times already but that he would continue to refine it. Further thoughts on all the documents were welcome, and it was agreed the deadline for feedback would be 1 December. Action 64.4.1: All to pass comments on documents mentioned above to David Fenner by 1 December 2007. 64.4.1.5 Patrick Stewart inquired as to the target audience. If it were targeted at new entrants, it was, in his view inappropriate both in its length and text. He did not think that the intended audience had been taken into account in the drafting. David Fuller suggested it should be distributed through Training Associations and Fishing Associations. Patrick Stewart said that his Association, for one, did not have the resources either to establish who should receive the document or to deliver it. 64.4.1.6 The Chair asked for opinions on whether MCA attendance at Fishing and Workboat Exhibitions was a good use of Agency resources. Dick James expressed the view it is worthwhile and Jim Evans highlighted the opportunity it presented to speak to fishermen in large numbers. 64.4.1.7 Paul Coley suggested seminars or presentations on particular topics at exhibitions and Jim Hudson suggested running video clips to support safety messages on flyers. Dick James recommended the use of the Seafish stability model. 64.4.2. MAIB Report 64.4.2.1 Roger Carlisle presented the MAIB Report, highlighting the 8 fatalities involved. He mentioned MAIB’s ongoing safety study, which will not just produce statistics but will also draw conclusions. It should be ready during the first quarter of 2008. He also mentioned the FV FLOURISH, where the skipper lost his life (investigation ongoing) and only a couple of weeks or so later his grandson lost the tips of his fingers in an incident on another vessel. 64.4.2.2 Roger went on to say that going back to 1999 fishing vessel accident trends had been fairly static. Frequently occurring features in accidents included stability, downflooding, risk assessment, safety awareness, lookout and lifejackets. Trends were fairly similar across all sectors. 64.4.2.3 Jim Evans emphasised the need for the MAIB to regularly consult the federations. 64.5. SMALL VESSEL CODE 64.5 Sub Group Chairman’s Summary Report 64.5.1 David Fenner presented this paper. He pointed out a single Statutory Instrument would be introduced to underpin all three fishing vessel Codes. The plan was to incorporate Small Code Group recommendations and re-introduce stability requirements for small fishing vessels. A formal Consultation would take place. 64.6. 24M AND OVER CODE - (15M (OAL) TO LESS THAN 24 M (RL) CODE) 64.6 Sub Group Chairman’s Summary Report 64.6.1 David Fenner presented this paper. He reported that industry representatives are currently being asked for their advice on costing additional requirements which will be imposed by the new Code. Following this, there will be a public Consultation and then another 24 metre and Over FISG Sub Group meeting. 64.6.2 He also reported that the MCA had recently submitted their comments to DfT Legal Branch on the draft Statutory Instrument (SI) (mentioned under item 64.5) which is being created to underpin not only the 24 metre and Over Code but also the existing 15-24 metre and under 15 metre Codes when the older SIs are revoked. 64.7 TECHNICAL OPERATIONS 64.7.1 Sub Group Chairman’s Summary Report 64.7.1.1 Cedric Loughran presented the Paper, mentioning that the meeting on additional guidance for Owners of Fishing vessel planned for October had been postponed, and that feedback received indicated that not many ships’ chandlers were willing to take back out of date pyrotechnics. 64.7.1.2 David Fenner said that the MCA’s Seafarer Training and Certification Branch were willing to issue “Authorities to Operate” without expiry dates, and Jim Evans expressed concern at the performance of the liferafts in the RNLI test. Cedric suggested we see what emerges from the planned meeting. Responding to a concern, he expected the RNLI to invite fishermen’s federations to the meeting, however they should be contacted direct about that. 64.7.1.3 It was also confirmed that any female fishers joining FISG would have to be nominated by the Federations in the customary way. 64.7.2 Revision of the MCA’s Marking of Fishing Gear Leaflet 64.7.2.1 Matt Giacomini presented the paper, which Annexed a proposed draft revision of the text of the MCA’s Marking of Fishing Gear leaflet, and explained that it was a joint MCA/NFFO/SFF/RYA/Torbay council paper. He thanked Patrick Stewart, Jim Evans, Jim Hudson and the RYA in particular for their help in writing the paper. He was also grateful for the assistance given to inform the writing of the paper by Defra, MFA, Sea Fisheries Committees and Devolved Administrations. 64.7.2.2 Matt advised that it was proposed the revised leaflet focus on gear laid less than 12 miles from the baseline, as marking inside and outside 12 miles was different and in any case the Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA), and reportedly the Scottish Executive, had excellent guidance on marking of gear outside 12 miles. Also, most of the issues raised with the MCA by its customers concerned gear inside 12 miles. 64.7.2.3 The draft revision was believed by the authors to be readable and detailed enough to assist with safety but not so detailed that it was likely contradict byelaws which Sea Fisheries Committees and Devolved Administrations were empowered to make within 6 miles of the baseline and Harbour Authorities within their own jurisdiction. 64.7.2.4 Additions included things like recommending retro reflective tape be used on dhans, the size of buoys and that fishermen should refrain from deploying gear in navigable channels. 64.7.2.5 Since the paper had been agreed, it had been suggested that (a) greater emphasis should be given to the different requirements were applicable outside 12 miles, and (b) for the benefit of non-fishers, that fishing gear was frequently marked at either end. He would incorporate these comments in the draft. Action 64.7.2.1: Matt Giacomini to adjust draft text of marking of Gear leaflet to emphasise differences outside 12 miles and that gear was frequently marked at both ends. 64.7.2.6 Patrick Stewart mentioned that there is no legislation for static gear outside 12 miles, but there is for passive gear. 64.7.2.7 Jayan Pillai enquired as to the origin of the statement about the use of black flags to mark gear. Matt said this had been carried over from the existing version of the leaflet, but he would investigate the origin. Action 64.7.2.2: Matt Giacomini to investigate origin of advice about use of black flag to mark fishing gear. 64.7.2.8 Patrick Stewart said he supported the document and there was no dissension from other FISG members. 64.7.2.9 Patrick Stewart thanked Matt Giacomini for his efforts on this paper, saying that he had kept things focused and it was a good example of how this sort of thing should be done. 64.7.2.10 It was agreed that colleagues would be given until the 1 December to make further comments. Action 64.7.2.3: All to pass final comments to Matt Giacomini by 1 December 2007. Action 64.7.2.4: Matt Giacomini to set the production of the revised MCA Marking of Fishing Gear leaflet in motion, having completed Actions 64.7.2.1, 64.7.2.2 and 64.7.2.3, and as budgetary constraints allow. 64.7.3 Flagging In Matrix 64.7.3.1 Nigel Blazeby presented the paper, and gave a presentation in which he talked through the Flagging-In matrix. He said the UK aims to operate a quality flag. 64.7.3.2 The Chairman said sometimes the MCA can work with owners to raise vessels to the necessary standard. 64.7.3.3 Dick James pointed out this affects Northern Ireland the most, bordering Eire from which traditionally second hand boats were bought and sold, which was on the Paris MoU Grey list. He said surveyors should be there to survey. We cannot all have new boats. Nigel said that the matrix does not remove the human element, and that surveyors still have a large part to play in the flag in process. He added that the matrix would help with the issue of consistency between surveyors. 64.7.3.4 Bill Farquhar said it does not prove one ship is better than another. Dick James asked if a financial impact test had been done, and asserted the matrix does not impose the required consistency. Dick enquired about what would be done regarding vessels which had already been purchased, and it was agreed those matters would be discussed outside the meeting. 64.7.3.5 Patrick Stewart pointed out the matrix would help prospective purchasers, who would benefit from indications the matrix would give, but questioned if the weighting was correct. 64.7.3.6 Gary Owen highlighted that exceeding a certain score would not constitute an automatic refusal to register a vessel, but it would be referred for a decision, and Nigel asked if you would buy a car which did not have a MOT. Patrick Stewart said it should be more like buying a property than a car. 64.7.3.7 The Chairman concluded with a reminder that the purpose behind the matrix was to enhance the safety of fishermen. 64.8 HEALTH AND SAFETY 64.8.1 Sub Group Chairman’s Summary Report 64.8.1.1 Mary Martyn presented this paper. She thanked Seafish for their work on an updated Risk Assessment for large and small fishing vessels. 64.8.1.2 With reference to the ILO fishing sector convention, Jim Evans expressed concern at the number of UK Statutory Instruments springing from European legislation – he was concerned that the ILO Convention would cut across these and much good work already done. Mary said the MCA would be doing more work, including looking at changes needed to UK legislation, as well as checking for conflicts between UK, International Labour Organization (ILO) and EU legislation, in time for the next Sub Group meeting in February. 64.8.1.3 Mary also informed FISG that, since the paper was written, the Minister has signed off the regulations on Noise, Vibration and on Carcinogens and Mutagens. These will take effect at the end of February 2008 – Marine Guidance Notes (MGNs) will be issued. There would be further consultation on Smoking when the draft regulations are issued. This should come in during 2008. 64.8.1.4 In response to a concern about ILO implementation prior to consultation, Mary explained a bit about the ILO process. A Convention is adopted by the ILO with industry. The ILO process involved tri-partite (employer/ worker/ government) groups. (Jim Hudson and Allan Graveson (Nautilus UK) are employer and worker representatives respectively.) The next step is the decision to ratify, which cannot be done until legislation is amended [post meeting note - Public Consultation is a mandatory part of this]. The EU always takes an interest in ILO activities and may put pressure on member states to ratify. The current position on this one is that the UK supports the Convention in principle subject to further consultation with industry. 64.8.1.4 Jim Hudson said he asked Seafish for copies of the simplified Risk Assessment, and they were not forthcoming, but Seafish did supply the same to the MCA. Tony Tait explained this was due to cost, and mentioned it can be downloaded from the internet. 64.8.2 EC Developments affecting the Fishing Sector 64.8.2.1 Mike Davies presented part A of this paper. He mentioned the EU had produced Green and Blue papers on an integrated maritime policy for the European Union, and invited members to pass any comments they had through Matt Giacomini, MCA, Bay 2/05, Fishing & Code Vessel Safety Branch, Spring Place, 105 Commerical Road Southampton SO15 1EG. 64.8.2.2 Mary Martyn presented part B of the paper. She explained that the UK had the opportunity to bid for a limited number of places on the EC Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work proposed Working Party on a guide to protection of workers in the under 15 metre fishing sector, and had been in touch with fishermen’s federations to ask them to consider if they wished to bid and, if so, nominate someone for an employer position in the event the bid is successful. 64.8.2.3 Federations supported the bid and nominated Jim Hudson to take up the position in the event of it being successful. 64.9 TRAINING 64.9 Sub Group Chairman’s Summary Report 64.9.1 Simon Potten presented the paper. There had been 35,000 attendees (not individuals) attending courses over the last 10 years. Four million pounds had been spent over a 6-7 year period. 64.9.2 He reminded members that Financial Instrument for Fisheries Grant (FIFG) funding would soon cease, and due to it being divided into different elements it was running out in different parts of the country at different times. In some areas there may be enough to last to the end of the year. It was acknowledged that there may be a 12 month gap between FIFG ceasing and European Fisheries Funding (EFF) coming in. Trainers may have to charge for training which has up to now been provided free. Jim Evans said added to that problem it could also put the Group Training Association system under great strain. Roger Mason said some people may be over optimistic about how much funding would be forthcoming from the EFF. Mike Davies said he had spoken to some MCA colleagues to explore options. 64.9.3 The Chairman said this would go on the “front burner”. Action 64.9.1: Paul Fairbrother to investigate commercial fishing funding options in conjunction with DfT. 64.10 TECHNICAL PANEL 64.10.1 Sub Group Chairman’s Summary Report 64.10.1. Matt Giacomini presented the paper. Matt pointed out that the section on recent M Notices relevant to the fishing industry which had been issued had now been expanded to include those M Notices which were not sponsored by Fishing and Codes Branch but which nevertheless bore a (F) (for “Fishing”) in the suffix as they were in some way relevant to fishing. These may be about subjects like radio equipment or environmental quality issues which applied more widely than fishing and were looked after by other parts of the MCA. 64.10.2 Jim Hudson said he had noticed some M Notices with a “F” suffix which had no relevance to fishing. Matt said if he provided him with the numbers he would discuss this with the authors. Although it would not be appropriate to amend on the website suffixes of Notices already issued (the electronic versions should match the hard copy of the M Notice as put into the public domain when first published in hard copy form) he would discuss the matter with authors to arrange for any future notices on that subject not to be marked “F” if it was not appropriate. He also reminded colleagues, when looking at the M Notice lists on the MCA’s website, to refresh the page by pressing Control and F5 simultaneously on entry to ensure all Notices are displayed. On being asked if this was indicated on the website Matt said he seemed to remember it was, but would make sure. [Post meeting note: Yes, there is a prompt to do Control F5 at the top of each of the three (MSN/MGN/MIN) M Notice lists.] Action 64.10.1: Jim Hudson to provide Matt Giacomini with the numbers of any M Notices which have an “F” in the suffix which he considers do not have relevance to fishing. Action 64.10.2: Matt Giacomini to discuss with authors the possibility of omitting the “F” suffix from future M Notices on the subjects in Action 64.10.1 above. 64.10.3 Matt also mentioned some M Notices with “F” in the suffix which had been issued since this paper was written. They were:
64.10.3 Matt also brought to the attention of the Group the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)’s free electronic M Notice Subscription notification service. He said members could join by clicking on the Homepage of the Agency website, www.mcga.gov.uk then on clicking on the panel towards the bottom left of the screen “Subscribe to MCA Services”. It would then be possible to opt to receive e-mail notifications of new M Notices and/or Consultations posted on the Agency’s website. The MCA does not charge for this service, so the only cost involved is the individual’s normal costs of accessing the internet and downloading e-mails. Members are advised that the appearance of the website is expected to change at some time over the next few months, so the subscription portal may not appear exactly as described above. 64.11 STABILITY 64.11.1 Sub Group Chairman’s Summary Report 64.11.1. Paul Fairbrother presented the paper in David Ralph’s absence, saying that 1 vessel had volunteered for the stability exercise. Volunteers would get a free stability check. 64.11.2 Comments from FISG members included that some people do not do seamanship before going to sea, that there is no point in stability training on larger vessels, stability is mandatory only for skippers and watchkeepers, it is too complicated and funding is an issue. 64.11.3 Roger Carlisle expressed concern that the Wolfson Unit work had been stalled for 18 months or so, and asked if this work could either be validated or, if not practical, that this fact be recognised. Stability had been one of the 4 major issues Roger had highlighted in his briefing. 64.12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS 64.12.1 The Chairman drew members attention to the “Bright ideas” template, which is part of the government’s Better Regulation initiative. He explained that the MCA and the government generally are committed to reducing the regulatory burden being placed on business and other organisations. 64.12.2 Government is actively looking for ways to make regulation and processes simpler, carrying the least burden to those who have to comply with them, whilst maintaining their regulatory purpose, and are seeking measures and proposals which will serve this end. 64.12.3 This may involve removing regulations, merging legal instruments into a more manageable form and resolving overlap or inconsistency within or between current regulations. It includes reducing the burden of paperwork and the time taken in dealing with information requests. 64.12.4 FISG has been doing some of this for some time by developing Codes of Practice. However, the floor is still open to ideas, and all FISG members were welcome to take a form away with them, upon which they can write their ideas for Better Regulation. 64.12.5 Blank forms were passed out to industry colleagues to give them the opportunity to comment. Completed forms should be returned to the MCA’s Better Regulation Unit at the address given on the form, or via Matt Giacomini at the address given in paragraph 64.8.2.1 of these minutes. [Post meeting note: anyone who wishes to have a form who was not at the meeting can obtain one from Matt Giacomini in the MCA’s Fishing and Code Vessel Safety Branch by telephoning 023 8032 9163.] 64.12.6 Jim Hudson mentioned that reference FISG 61.5, the UK does not produce charts for Norwegian ports, and the Norwegians only update theirs every three years. He said that the MCA had written to the Norwegian Hydrographic Service about this but no outcome had been reported. Action 64.12.1: Matt Giacomini to investigate outcome of letter to Norwegian Hydrographic Service pertaining to FISG 61.5. 64.12.7 Jim Hudson said he had sent some points concerning problems with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) to the MCA and has heard nothing more. Action 64.12.2: Matt Giacomini to investigate what has happened regarding the problems which Jim Hudson has submitted to the MCA on the subject of DSC. 64.12.9 Jim Hudson reported a problem encountered with Man Overboard Smoke float. He provided pictures and the remains of a cord to Matt Giacomini. Action 64.12.3: Matt Giacomini to provide information supplied by Jim Hudson on Man Overboard Smoke float to responsible person in the MCA to consider. 64.13 DATE OF NEXT THREE MEETINGS Thursday 1 May 2008, Thursday 6 November 2008 and Thursday 7 May 2009. ACTIONS ARISING FROM FISG 64 Action 64.2.1: Matt Giacomini to change “Simon Doggett” to read “Simon Potten” in paragraph 63.9.1.4 of FISG 63 minutes. COMPLETE Action 64.2.2: Paul Jackson to arrange separate meeting to address the fishing industry’s concerns about their views in relation to offshore wind energy projects not being taken into account. IN PROGRESS Action 64.3.1: Matt Giacomini to arrange for FISG Strategy Document to be adjusted to reflect planned meetings of the Technical Panel. COMPLETE. Action 64.3.2: Matt Giacomini to arrange for FISG Strategy document to be adjusted to reflect Ministerial Target Group creation. COMPLETE. Action 64.3.3: David Fenner to arrange creation of Ministerial Target Working Group. IN PROGRESS Action 64.4.1: All to pass comments on documents mentioned in 64.4.1.2 to 64.4.1.4 to David Fenner by 1 December 2007. COMPLETE. Period for comments now ended. Action 64.7.2.1: Matt Giacomini to adjust draft text of marking of Gear leaflet to emphasise differences outside 12 miles and that gear was frequently marked at both ends. COMPLETE. Action 64.7.2.2: Matt Giacomini to investigate origin of advice about use of black flag to mark fishing gear. COMPLETE. FISG 48 paperwork indicated that the suggestion of a black flag was suggested by the RYA because it shows a good silhouette at night. This was put before FISG 48 in paper FISG 48/9.d, and the absence of any mention in the minutes indicates FSIG were comfortable with it. This view is supported by the a naval Camouflage website suggested by a FISG member, and black flags are often used to mark fishing gear in other countries, including France and Canada. Other views do exist on the subject, but this view seems to prevail. Action 64.7.2.3: All to pass final comments to Matt Giacomini by 1 December 2007. COMPLETE. Some small additional comments received. Action 64.7.2.4: Matt Giacomini to set the production of the revised MCA Marking of Fishing Gear leaflet in motion, having completed Actions 64.7.2.1, 64.7.2.2 and 64.7.2.3, and as budgetary constraints allow. COMPLETE. Following the end of the additional consultation period on the leaflet, Matt has now forwarded the new text to the MCA’s Public Relations Office, which arranges the design and printing of the MCA’s leaflets. Action 64.9.1: Paul Fairbrother to investigate commercial fishing funding options in conjunction with DfT. IN PROGRESS. Action 64.10.1: Jim Hudson to provide Matt Giacomini with the numbers of any M Notices which have an “F” in the suffix which he considers do not have relevance to fishing. IN PROGRESS. Jim will supply as he comes across them. Action 64.10.2: Matt Giacomini to discuss with authors the possibility of omitting the “F” suffix from future M Notices on the subjects in Action 64.10.1 above. COMPLETE. This is not desirable as it would mean the Agency’s 2000+ existing subscribers having to re-register with the service, causing these customers inconvenience. Action 64.12.1: Matt Giacomini to investigate outcome of letter to Norwegian Hydrographic Service pertaining to FISG 61.5. COMPLETE. MCA’s Navigation Branch e-mailed the Norwegian Hydrographic Service but did not receive a reply. They had also contacted the UK Hydrographic Service, which has the choice of what foreign charts it produces and had discontinued charts for the area concerned. Recent enquiries reveal that UKHO agreed with the Norwegians that they would discontinue 50,000 scale charts as there seemed no point in both organisations producing them. In any case, UKHO said they feed off information provided by Norway, so they could only update any charts they produced as often as the Norwegians do – perhaps less often. The Norwegian Hydrographic Service said over the telephone (November 2007) that their charts are updated about every 2 years and between these issues corrections are issued in the form of Notices to Mariners. Norwegian Notices to Mariners can be found at www.statkart.no/efs/gbindex.html, but the paper copies are the only official version. It is possible to subscribe to the paper charts from the Norwegian Hydrographic Service by e-mailing efs@statkart.no or telephoning on 0047 51 85 87 00 or 0047 51 85 88 89 or faxing 0047 85 87 01. Jim Hudson was concerned that charts obtained for Norwegian waters were not corrected at point of sale. Navigation Branch have also advised that corrected Norwegian Charts can be obtained from some UK Chart Agents eg., Kelvin Hughes in Southampton. Action 64.12.2: Matt Giacomini to investigate what has happened regarding the problems which Jim Hudson has submitted to the MCA on the subject of DSC. COMPLETE. Matt Giacomini e-mailed Jim Hudson with a reply to his concerns. Action 64.12.3: Matt Giacomini to provide information supplied by Jim Hudson on Man Overboard Smoke float to responsible person in the MCA to consider. COMPLETE. The photographs and cord have been passed to the MCA’s Life Saving Appliances Surveyor, Colin Thomas, for consideration. After discussions with Colin, Matt Giacomini has e-mailed Jim Hudson with a reply and an invitation from Colin Thomas for Jim to telephone him to discuss further if he wishes. |