Reducing fishing vessel capsizing in Newfoundland and Labrador by establishing a relationship between common causes and operators' understanding of stability and risk

• Main Author: Davis, Bryan
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 2019
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/13729/; https://research.library.mun.ca/13729/1/thesis.pdf

Commercial fishing is considered one of the most dangerous industries in the world. Among the different types of fishing vessel accidents, capsizing has one of the highest fatality rates. In Newfoundland and Labrador, fatalities, due to the loss of stability in fishing vessels, have been identified as a significant problem. This study’s primary objective was to determine the main causes of fishing vessel capsizing and recommend preventative measures to reduce the frequency of fishing vessel capsizes in Newfoundland and Labrador. Through an analysis of fishing vessel capsizing investigation reports, and a series of discussions with operators, the study identified the primary causes of these events. In 57 of the 60 capsizes analyzed, operators’ actions were determined to play a significant role. A second component of the discussion portion of the study focused on operator and crew understanding of vessel stability. This portion of the study revealed a correlation between the amount of formal training an operator had received and their understanding of stability. Those who had received some form of stability education appeared better equipped to avoid or manage potential capsizing events. Many fishing vessel capsize events were attributed to operator error and operators with no stability training are more likely to make poor decisions based on common misconceptions of vessel stability. Based on this conclusion, it is recommended that a compulsory stability education course be offered in the province. An outline and proposed curriculum including potential delivery methods for such a course is presented.