Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the UK with the fatality rate 100 times higher than the average for the general workforce.

The most common causes of fatalities include going overboard, flooding, and capsizing. Many commercial fishing deaths may have been preventable if appropriate safety measures were in place.

Reduce the risks:

• Check your vessel is stable - learn how to do a roll or offset load test. 
• Do regular risk assessments to highlight hazards and dangers on deck. All crew should be fully trained on the equipment they are using.
• Familiarise your crew with your man overboard recovery plan - choose a recovery device suitable for your vessel and make sure everyone onboard knows the plan and has practised it.
• Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) - ensure your PFD is fit for purpose and correctly maintained.
• Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) - it will help locate you if you go overboard, ensure it's always within reach and you know how to activate it in an emergency.
• In an emergency at sea send a Mayday distress alert on Channel 16, or call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Small, fast and easy to handle are some reasons why personal watercraft, such as jet skis and waverunners, are so popular. However, there is a risk of serious injury when operating or riding personal watercraft - including collisions and falling into the water at speed. Mechanical breakdowns are also a common hazard. 

Reduce the risks:

• Hone your skills - as well as ensuring safe operation, gaining a qualification can be beneficial when accessing launch sites, riding abroad and for lower insurance premiums. Contact your national governing body, local club or watersports activity centre to find out more.
• Check the weather forecast and tide times before you leave home.
• Wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and make sure you are also wear a wetsuit or suitable clothing.
• Check your equipment - make sure the drainage plug is in place.
• Ensure your engine is well maintained, that you have enough fuel for your journey, and carry adequate tools and spares.
• Always wear a kill cord if fitted and carry a spare.
• Stay out of safe swim areas and use appropriate boat lanes.
• Keep to speed limits in restricted areas.
• Carry a means of calling for help you can reach easily in an emergency, for example a Personal Locator Beacons (PLB) or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch worn around your neck (consider the SafeTrx app).
• Stay with your craft in an emergency, it will keep you afloat and is easier to locate.
• Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back. If you are late returning, they can raise the alarm by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.