The Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975

C MUSTERS AND DRILLS

Muster list

119.—(1) The skipper of every vessel of 24.4 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply shall prepare or cause to be prepared a muster list showing in respect of each member of the crew the special duties which are allotted to him and the station to which he shall go in the event of an emergency (hereinafter referred to as “emergency station”).

(2) In every such vessel, the muster list shall specify definite signals to be made on the whistle or siren for calling the crew to the emergency station and shall include the emergency signal which shall consist of a succession of seven or more short blasts followed by one long blast. In every vessel of 45 metres in length and over the signals by made on the whistle or siren shall be supplemented by bells or other means of warning which shall be electrically operated and which shall be capable of being operated from the bridge. The muster list shall also specify the means of indicating when the vessel is to be abandoned.

(3) In every such vessel of 24.4 metres in length and over the muster list shall show the duties assigned to the different members of the crew in connection with:—

(a) the preparation and launching of the boats and life-rafts attached to davits or to other launching appliances;

(b) the preparation and launching of life-rafts not attached to davits and other life-saving appliances;

(c) the operation of fire appliances for extinction of fire.

(4) In every such vessel the muster list shall be prepared, or if a new list is not necessary revised, each time a new agreement with the crew has been signed and before the vessel proceeds to sea, and shall be dated and signed by the skipper.

(5) In every such vessel if, after the muster list has been prepared, any change takes place in the crew which necessitates an alteration in the muster list, the skipper shall either revise the list or prepare a new list.

(6) In every such vessel, copies of the muster list shall be posted in the crew's quarters and at the main control station before the vessel proceeds to sea and shall be kept so posted while the vessel is at sea.

Training

120.—(1) In vessels of 24·4 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply musters of the crew shall take place at the commencement of each voyage and at intervals of not more than 14 days thereafter, and if more than 25% of the crew have been replaced at any port one of such musters shall take place within 48 hours of leaving that port to ensure that the crew understand and are drilled in the duties assigned to them in the event of an emergency.

(2) In vessels of 12 metres in length and over but less than 24·4 metres in length to which these Rules apply the skipper shall ensure that the crew are trained in the use of all life-saving and fire appliances and equipment with which the vessel is provided and shall ensure that all members of the crew know where the equipment is stowed and such training shall be carried out at intervals of not more than one month.

(3) In vessels of 75 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply drills shall be so arranged that every life boat is swung out at least once per month and, if reasonable and practicable, lowered at least once every four months.

(4) In vessels of 24·4 metres in length and over but less than 75 metres in length to which these Rules apply the Class C boat or inflatable boat shall be swung out at each drill and, if equipped with an engine, the engine shall be operated.

Inspections

121.—(1) In vessels of 24·4 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply life-saving and fire appliances and equipment shall be inspected when musters of the crew are held, and in any case at intervals of not more than one month to ensure that all equipment is in good condition and always ready for immediate use.

(2) In vessels of 12 metres in length and over but less than 24.4 metres in length to which these Rules apply inspections of the life-saving equipment and fire appliances shall be made at intervals of not more than one month.