RNLI to give training to fishers in Donegal on safety at sea

Training sessions aimed at increasing the safety awareness of Donegal fishers have been announced.

Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) has partnered with the RNLI to deliver a series of one-day man-overboard experiences.

The first of the free one-day classes will take place on January 20 and 21 at the Errigal Training Centre pool in Falcarragh.

The aim of the sessions is to highlight the importance of wearing a correctly fitted personal floatation device (PFD) and to ensure fishers are ready to implement their vessel's man overboard (MOB) recovery plan.

Participants will experience first-hand the difference between falling overboard in challenging sea conditions with no personal floatation device, followed by the same incident with their PFD correctly fitted.

Although the conditions are controlled, they will provide a realistic experience, simulating the impact of how work clothing, oilskins, and boots affects a person’s buoyancy, coupled with challenging sea conditions. The class also looks at the importance of having and following your Man Overboard recovery plan.

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Potential participants must have their BIM mandatory safety training completed and be over 16 years of age.

BIM’s skills development director Ian Mannix said research highlights the importance of reinforcing the message that wearing a PFD is essential at sea.

“Having participated in this class myself recently, it really brought home the extreme difference wearing a PFD makes. Without a doubt, it is essential for surviving at sea.

“Both BIM and the RNLI have a shared goal of safety at sea. The experience compliments and builds upon the existing mandatory three-day safety training offered by BIM in both its national fisheries colleges in Donegal and Cork and our two mobile coastal training units.”

Frankie Horne, fishing safety manager for the RNLI, who delivers the course, said the one of the most important things fishers can do is be prepared for an accidental immersion.

“RNLI data analysis shows that most fishing fatalities from accident immersion are because we cannot stay afloat or be recovered in time.

“When you go overboard. Capable people, become incapable very quickly. Be rigged and ready.”