Northern Ireland Fishermen s Safety Forum MINUTES OF THE 3 rd MEETING MON 05 FEB :00-14:30 STORMONT HOTEL, BELFAST

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1 Northern Ireland Fishermen s Safety Forum MINUTES OF THE 3 rd MEETING MON 05 FEB :00-14:30 STORMONT HOTEL, BELFAST Attendees Paul Leeman (PL) (Chair) Sam Warnock (SW) Ingrid Perry (IP) Harry Wick (HW) Ronnie McBride (RMcB) Ian Kelly (IK) David Polley (DP) Natalie Hunter (NH) Norman Bridge (NB) Gary Young (GY) Phillip Quirie (PQ) (Minutes) Lynn Gilmore (LG) William Angus (WA) Colin Nelson (CN) Davey Hill (DH) Robert Greenwood (RG) Martin Flanigan (MF) Aoife Martin (AM) Susanne Young (SY) Juanita Emerson (JE) Kevin Quigley (KQ) John Morton (JM) David Galbraith (DG) Liam McFaul (LM) Kelvin McGreghan (KM) Daniel McClements (DMcC) James Coffey (JC) Duncan McIlroy (DMcI) Adrienne Brown (AB) NI Scallop Association NIFPO Fishermen s Mission NIFPO DAERA NIFPO MCA MCA MCA/Trainer MCA/Trainer Seafish Seafish Harbour Master (ANDBC) Nelco ANIFPO ANIFPO/NFFO C-Bait Seafish SFITA SFITA NIFHA Ballycastle Harbour Master NCLFA NCLFA 1. Welcome and apologies PL welcomed everyone, noting several new attendees, and asked for brief round-table introductions. He expressed a particular warm welcome to DMcC, JC, and their project mentors. LG read apologies from Alan McCulla (ANIFPO), Frankie Horne (RNLI), Kevin Franklin (Seafish), Lesley Hammond (Fishermen s Mission), and Stephen Ryan (Lough Neagh Fishermen s Co-op). 2. Minutes of the last meeting held on 4 th September 2017 PL invited everyone to run through the minutes, asking for any disagreements or inaccuracies. The minutes were accepted as an accurate record of the previous meeting. ACTION: LG to upload agreed minutes to the NIFSF section of the Seafish website. 3. Matters arising LG reviewed the previous actions, provided the following update on each: 1 Frankie Horne to send casualty data presentation to LG to circulate to the group, gathering feedback to develop a more complete picture of safety risks in NI. LG to circulate when she receives this.

2 2. MCA Concentrated Inspection Campaign: LG to include details of the MCA briefing paper in the minutes. Completed ed links to MGNs 570 and 571 and will get further update from MCA at meeting. 3. LG to circulate details of ICF courses to POs for possible inclusion in recruitment adverts. Completed links sent to POs, and tweets to POs and others relevant parties. 4. JE to send details of courses requiring translation to LG. LG to look at opportunities for funding the translation. Completed further details in agenda item RMcB to check letter of offer from the previous PFD project to establish funding possibilities without implications of a reimbursement of previous EFF funding, which will depend on the lifespan of the PFDs. Completed LG referred to the letter dated April 2013, and confirming the project lifespan of two years. A further project should therefore be eligible for funding. 6. Fishing Port Safety Roadshows a. DH to send tidal details to LG, and LG to amend dates where necessary- Completed. b. Members of the NIFSF agreed to promote the events through their networks. Completed LG produced a promotional poster, which was sent to members for circulation within their networks. c. LG to produce promotional poster for the events to circulate to members- Completed. 7. FH to send links for RNLI safety films to LG when they are ready for circulation Completed circulated on Twitter and published on YouTube. 8. LG to investigate potential NIFSF logo and branding. Completed further details in agenda item Date of the next meeting LG to circulate potential dates at least six weeks before the event- Completed. 4. ANCPOS safety project presentation from students LG introduced DMcC and JC, two engineering apprentices from with family backgrounds in fishing. Their tutor, KM, explained how the ANCPOS (Advanced Numerical Control Panel Operating System) project began as a one week college module but grew after winning a -wide innovation award. DMcC and JC thanked the committee for the opportunity, and presented a video detailing their design; a mechanism measuring cable length from a device attached to the winch. The invention aims to improve catching technology, efficiency, and safety. A short discussion confirmed the environmental impacts of the mechanism have been explored and minimised; future development ideas involve potential automation; and the patent process has been considered and explored. HW was impressed with the presentation, and awarded 500 to aid the further development of the invention on behalf of NIFPO. The Chair then concluded the agenda item, and the forum confirmed its full support for the project. NORTHERN IRELAND FISHERMEN S SAFETY FORUM MINUTES OF THE 3 rd MEETING MON 05 FEB 2018 Page 2

3 5. Safety Roadshow events and results of the PFD survey LG gave a presentation on recent NIFSF Safety Roadshow events, and described the various promotional avenues used: First three events were delivered in Bangor, Ballycastle, and Kilkeel in October Events were planned and co-ordinated by Seafish NI, with training delivered by RNLI and attendance by SFITA to promote training. Press releases were published, posters were designed and circulated, and social media was used to promote the events. Some of the topics covered in the Safety Roadshows included: Cold water shock. Man overboard procedures and demonstrations. PFDs and their use and maintenance. Fishermen s training. Seafish Kingfisher and the maps they have available. Fishermen were also asked to complete a questionnaire on PFD ownership and use. LG briefly reviewed some of the top level outcomes of the questionnaire: The vast majority of the 28 respondents were pot fishermen, and all of them owned a PFD. Two respondents claimed never to wear their PFD, citing discomfort as the reason. 81% of respondents received their PFD via the grant-aided PFD scheme in NI. LG went on to explain the outcomes from the events, with more than 36 people openly expressing an interest in training resulting in over 100 training days being generated. A man overboard ladder storage bag has been designed to allow fishermen to stow the ladders for easy release in an emergency. The RNLI have committed to supply a batch of these bags to NI industry for trials with ladders created by fishermen. LG proposed a couple of potential dates for future events (22-24 March or April), with visits to Ardglass, Portavogie, and Toome to be arranged. ACTION: LG to circulate her presentation to members plus potential future Safety Roadshow dates by . LG reported that she had received a suggestion from NB to establish a Facebook page for the NIFSF- the group agreed this was a good idea. ACTION: LG to progress a NIFSF Facebook page to engage with members of the NIFSF and the wider fishing industry. 6. NIFSF logo presentation LG briefly contextualised the need for a logo and branding, which will give the group a sense of identity and unity. LG had commissioned Sarah Minnis Design to produce three design options, and also developed a possible strapline to be included in the designs. LG presented the three designs and invited thoughts from the group. A discussion took place about the designs, and the Chair asked for a raise of hands for each design. Option two was the clear preference, so LG will take things forward. ACTION: LG to ask Sarah Minnis to finalise design and circulate the final version to the group. NORTHERN IRELAND FISHERMEN S SAFETY FORUM MINUTES OF THE 3 rd MEETING MON 05 FEB 2018 Page 3

4 7. ILO c188 and the implications for industry RG tabled a document outlining fishing vessel regulations and forthcoming changes which ILO 188 will enforce, and briefly explained its similarity to the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) but geared towards fishing vessels. RG gave an overview of the requirements of ILO 188, which entitles all fishermen to: Written terms and conditions of employment. Decent accommodation and food. Medical care. Regulated working time. Repatriation. Social protection. On-board health and safety and mandatory risk assessments. RG explained two key issues to be noted: Health and safety provisions are extended to share fishermen for some time, in line with MAIB recommendations this will not affect other issues such as tax and insurance for share fishermen. A new requirement to have a medical examination and to be medically fit to work on-board a fishing vessel. To assist with compliance, industry has developed a new Fishing Safety Management Code, which helps demonstrate vessel compliance with all statutory requirements. A discussion took place around the complexity and legality of the convention, and RG remarked it s one of the biggest labour changes witnessed in contemporary fishing, and the timing of the roll-out may be tough, as specifics are relatively unknown at this stage. The hope is to have the necessary time to establish and convey the relevant messaging before the legislation applies. LG asked whether NIFSF could help in creating an infographic or poster which outlines and simplifies the convention and the implications, however RG felt the legislation needs to be more clearly defined before any awareness and promotional material is created, and explained the MCA may phase certain elements of the convention into legislation over time to help the bedding-in process. Break 8. PFDs and other safety equipment LG provided a brief recap of the successful funded PFD initiative previously rolled out in NI, with 1500 lifejackets handed out, and at least three lives saved as a result of the project. LG asked the group if they want to consider a similar EMFF project in the future, with the PFD including a PLB. A conversation about PLBs followed, in particular how and when they are activated. Some models activate automatically when in water, which some felt is preferable due to the possibility of being knocked unconscious. It was also suggested that AIS compatible PLBs should be considered although this is something usually only found within a 275N lifejacket used on large offshore vessels. NB felt it was important to recognise different fishermen have different scopes and requirements, suggesting it should be up to the fisherman to decide what type of PLB should be enclosed in their PFD. Further to this, it was suggested that the fishermen should have a choice in the final product if they are contributing financially, they ought to have a choice, which can also help encourage the individual to actually wear the item. NORTHERN IRELAND FISHERMEN S SAFETY FORUM MINUTES OF THE 3 rd MEETING MON 05 FEB 2018 Page 4

5 RMcB continued the discussion, asking whether individual fishermen should have to apply for their partfunded PFD with PLB, or whether a financial contribution should be made towards a lifejacket they purchase themselves. With a PFD/PLB being an expensive piece of kit, LG felt an application process should be in place, capturing all the relevant details of the individual applicant, which is required to register the PLB. Wearing a lifejacket on-board becomes legally mandatory in October 2019, and with Treasury funding and support only being available until 31 March 2019, effectively the NIFSF has one year to design, award, and implement a PFD/PLB initiative. ACTION: LG and RMcB to continue discussions regarding the potential for an EMFF application for PFDs with PLBs, the application process and whether it is feasible for fishermen to choose their PFD/PLB. 9. MCA update DP tabled the MCA guide Fishing Vessel Certification and Surveys, which outlines the three new codes of practice relating to fishing vessels, and the requirements thereof. The most significant changes are to the Small Fishing Vessel Code, and these are described in the tabled document. NB said the MCA are continuing the man overboard drill sessions, which have been well received, however the drills are almost worthless without the use of a man overboard dummy with which to rehearse. RG stated the MCA previously received a man overboard dummy from Seafish, but it was returned to the supplier due to a design flaw. RG said he would seek an update and contact NB. NB then described how Code of Practice inspections rarely feature a present crew, and skippers have a seemingly casual approach to inspections, which sparked a short discussion about potentially amending the Skipper s Ticket syllabus to highlight the legal responsibilities. RG remarked it may be possible to do this next year or the year after. 10. Seafish safety and training update LG apologised for Kevin Franklin from Seafish being unable to attend, before briefly presenting the tables below: EMFF Claims Progress Northern Ireland N Ireland Ref: NI Approved wef 4th Oct 2016 Safety Refresher Stability Awareness Radio NET Course Deck & Eng CoC Project Mgt Costs Total Approved Cost Navigation Engineering Total Approved Budget 44, , , , , , , , , Less Claim 1 (Mar 2017) 6, , , , , , , , , , , Less Claim 2 (Jun 2017) 7, , , , , , , , , , , Less Claim 3 (Sept 2017) , , , , , , , , Less Claim 4 (Dec 2017) , , , , , , , , She said that Training uptake is picking up, following a slow start. There has been a substantial increase in demand for the Safety Refresher training, which can be attributed to the safety roadshow events arranged by the NIFSF. Further spend has been accrued but not yet reflected in the figures through the Class 2 Deck Certificate of Competency programme run in conjunction with BIM at Greencastle College with 5 fishermen completing this course to date. Funding for this programme is estimated at 12,000 to date with a further 3 fishermen commencing their training in Dec NORTHERN IRELAND FISHERMEN S SAFETY FORUM MINUTES OF THE 3 rd MEETING MON 05 FEB 2018 Page 5

6 LG said that the key challenge is now to negotiate an extension to the project end date to fully utilise approved funding. EMFF Beneficiary Progress Northern Ireland N Ireland Ref: NI1001 Safety Refresher Navigation Engineering Stability Awareness Radio NET Course Deck & Eng CoC Grants Cumulative Percentage Total Project of Total Beneficiaries Beneficiaries Project Beneficiaries As at 31st Mar % As at 30th June % As at 29th Sept % As at 31st Dec % LG explained 25% of projected beneficiaries have been achieved to date. Beneficiary numbers are detailed against each project course heading. 11. SFITA / Sea Source / ANIFPO training updates SY provided a brief overview of recent activity. A series of courses for the North Coast Lobster Association have been held, with Fire Fighting & Prevention and First Aid courses fully attended in Ballycastle. More courses will follow. SFITA are also busy with running under 16.5m courses, First Aid and Personal Survival courses in Kilkeel. SY also expressed frustration with the lack of uptake on the Introduction to Commercial Fishing course. LG said she has tweeted the course details, and SFITA are running a workshop next week to explore avenues for promotion. She asked for the groups support in attracting candidates for this course. 12. NIFHA Harbour Safety update KQ expressed the importance of quayside safety, illustrating his point by relaying an account of a fisherman who drowned in Kilkeel harbour after falling between two boats into the water. KQ noted the conversations thus far have all focused on safety at sea, and felt it important to raise awareness of safety in the harbour, be it embarking or disembarking from vessels, repairing nets, unloading vessels, or general quayside activity. The discussion then turned to accident and emergency procedures, and the possibility of producing an information poster or plaque containing simple infographics describing emergency procedures and relevant emergency service numbers suitable for fishermen who are poor English speakers. RG said NFFO are currently working on something, and will share with the group when complete. ACTION: RG to share content of emergency procedures infographics being developed by NFFO. 13. DAERA EMFF opportunities RMcB said that the European Commission has hit its target for in terms of commitment and spend. He encouraged applications to promote safety, fuel efficiency and adding value. 14. NIFSF Terms of Reference LG talked briefly about the history of the group and the development of the Terms of Reference. She said the Terms of Reference had been tailored to meet the needs of the NIFSF and ensure a collaborative approach to NORTHERN IRELAND FISHERMEN S SAFETY FORUM MINUTES OF THE 3 rd MEETING MON 05 FEB 2018 Page 6

7 projects, events and initiatives. LG asked for any further input from members. It was suggested the word welfare sit alongside health and safety in the very first line. MF requested more involvement of aquaculture producers in the group, suggesting mussel growers should be invited to future meetings. It was agreed that MF can invite the mussel representative in ARG to attend future meetings. KQ said that he felt that the HSE (who are responsible for investigating accidents in harbours should be mentioned in the ToR. ACTION: LG to incorporate suggested and agreed changes into the Terms of Reference. 15. Any other business PL asked for any other business, and DP wondered if was possible to invite mid-to-large vessel skippers to attend future meetings. PL said this is an ideal, but it has been difficult to attract skippers to attend. 16. Date of next meeting LG said the next meeting will take place in early September, and dates will be issued by . ACTION: LG to circulate date of next meeting by . Action Summary: LG to upload agreed minutes to the NIFSF section of the Seafish website. LG to circulate her presentation to members plus potential future Safety Roadshow dates by . LG to progress a NIFSF Facebook page to engage with members of the NIFSF and the wider fishing industry. LG to ask Sarah Minnis to finalise design and circulate the final version to the group. LG and RMcB to continue discussions regarding the potential for an EMFF application for PFDs with PLBs, the application process and whether it is feasible for fishermen to choose their PFD/PLB. RG to share content of emergency procedures infographics being developed by NFFO. LG to incorporate suggested and agreed changes into the Terms of Reference. LG to circulate date of next meeting by . NORTHERN IRELAND FISHERMEN S SAFETY FORUM MINUTES OF THE 3 rd MEETING MON 05 FEB 2018 Page 7