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Vessel Stability
Between 1975 and 2005, 157 fishing vessels capsized and 66 workers’ lives were lost according to WorkSafeBC and Transportation Safety Board data. Factors that can contribute to capsizing are poor vessel design, poor maintenance practices, vessel modifications, poor operating practices or a combination of these factors.
While it’s possible the first one or two modifications may have only a small negative effect on vessel stability, over a number of years, the cumulative changes may result in a vessel that is quite different from the original design or purpose. A qualified naval architect can calculate the impact of the modifications on the vessels safety.
As part of WorkSafeBC’s high risk industry strategy, the Guideline on Fishing Vessel Stability was developed so that owners, masters, and crew on a commercial fish boat have a clear understanding of what documentation is required to prove that an up-to-date stability assessment has been completed.
For more information on vessel stability:
- News release (PDF 37kb)
- Backgrounder (PDF 42kb)
- Fact sheet (PDF 46kb)
- Capsized vessel poster (PDF 696kb)
- Fish harvesting fatals poster (PDF 337kb)
- Fish harvesting stability pamphlet (PDF 430kb)
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