Warning
Fishing is considered to be a dangerous profession within the United Kingdom. If you choose to board a fishing boat to take part in angling or other activities, then you must accept that you are subjecting yourself to various kinds of risk. Before you decide to board a fishing boat you should consider the likely risks that you may be subjected to. Our SAFETY NOTICE outlines the possible risks and gives advice on how best to avoid them. Please take time to read it.
Safety Notice
Our skippers pride themselves on taking the best level of care of you while you are on board. Our skippers are fully qualified and our boats are equipped with a complete inventory of up to date safety aids. You will be given a safety briefing by your skipper before setting sail for the day. If anything is unclear please ask your skipper. Your skipper will be using his full range of skills and will be concentrating to ensure your safety and the safe navigation of the boat.
The following is a list of areas where you may have to take special care and be responsible for your own safety.
| 1 | Embarking and disembarking the boat at the Quayside or pontoon. Never attempt to board or get off the boat until it is secured by ropes and until you have been given permission by the skipper or his crew. Always have at least one hand free of equipment so that you can hold onto handrails etc.. Consider passing equipment and baggage to other anglers or a crew member rather than attempt to carry it between boat and shore yourself. Being on the sea, the vessel may be subject to a slight motion as you board. Take special care on steps which might have slippery green sea-weed or on the dock area where there can be trip hazards. |
| 2 | Please be very careful not to get your hands trapped between the dock and the boat when coming alongside or when the boat is leaving. |
| 3 | Please take care when moving around the boat at all times. Take care to hold on to minimise the risk of falling over and be careful where you tread – the nature of fishing boats can mean obstacles are often in your way. Pay particular attention when entering and leaving the cabin. Be especially careful when it is rough or when there is wash from another vessel. If you need to move about under these conditions please let the skipper know otherwise please remain seated. |
| 4 | Please be very careful when using knives to cut bait and fish and return them to their storage when you have finished with them. Be especially careful when moving around under rough conditions with a knife in your hands. |
| 5 | Take care with sharp hooks. |
| 6 | Take care with lead weights. These can cause serious injuries if allowed to swing uncontrolled. Remove weights from any rod during transit or that you stow in the rod holders. After handling lead weights, consider washing your hands before handling your food. |
| 7 | Please handle the fish carefully. Some fish like bass, bream, rays and gurnards have sharp spines. Others like dogfish and tope have rough skin which can cause abrasions. Congers, ling, rays and tope amongst others have the ability to injure by biting. Some fish such as weavers can administer a painful poison from their spines. Your skipper will be pleased to help you handle your catch safely if you are unsure. |
| 8 | Hot drinks may sometimes be provided. Be careful with hot drinks as these are a scalding hazard, especially if you are moving about the boat in unsettled conditions. |
| 9 | Hypothermia in the colder months or Heat stroke in the summer can affect any person on board who is not dressed for the conditions on the day. Check the weather forecast before you come fishing and bring the appropriate clothing. Consider bringing sun screen on sunny days. Seek advise from your skipper if you are unsure what to wear. |