The Marine Casualty Investigation Board (MCIB) has warned that safety standards on fishing boats and leisure craft – particularly Jet Skis– must be improved. The warning came in the publication of the Board's annual report published last week. In it MCIB chairman John O'Donnell says that there must be greater vigilance about safety.
The high level of accidents and fatalities in the fishing sector, particularly in boats between 15m-25m in length is a cause of serious concern to the board. Mr O'Donnell warned those in charge that they are responsible for the safety of the crew, as are those in charge of pleasure craft, he says, for those aboard their vessels. He also says the number of incidents involving recreational craft, in particular jet-skis, is a serious cause of concern and that those using them must maintain them properly, receive training and use personal flotation devices.
