Heartfelt response to safety in Northern Ireland catching sector
A quick response to incidents aboard fishing vessels is crucial and the majority of skippers recognised how this defibrillator initiative would benefit the welfare of not only their own crew but potentially others in the community. In many cases fishing vessels sacrificed a day fishing in order to attend the safety roadshows demonstrating their commitment to the project.
What was the industry challenge?
The Northern Ireland Fishing Safety Forum (NIFSF) ensures a joined-up partnership approach to improving fishing safety in Northern Ireland. Members work together to improve fishing safety across the NI fleet both at sea and in and around fishing harbours.
Building on the success of previous activities an opportunity/need was identified to fit defibrillators in harbours and hold a series of ‘safety roadshow’ events to deliver first aid and defibrillator training and raise awareness of health and safety resources available.
How did Seafish and its partners respond?
We secured funding from the NI Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund to fit defibrillators and deliver training on how to use them in seven local harbours:
- Warrenpoint
- Kilkeel
- Ardglass
- Portavogie
- Bangor
- Ballycastle
- Portrush
We also supported five safety roadshows, in
- Portavogie
- Kilkeel
- Ballycastle
- Waterfoot
- Ardglass
These were attended by more 70 fishermen in total.
The initiative was made possible thank to our delivery partners – the DAERA Grants Team, NIFPO Training Centre, Harbour Masters in each location, RNLI, MCA, Fishermen’s Mission, Stella Maris, Lifeline NI and First Aid Trainers Trevor Cunningham, Ian Kelly and Leslie Campbell.
What was the impact?
More defibrillators are now available to provide emergency care for the fishermen and the communities within the key ports around the NI coast. The events involving fishermen have increased awareness of resources available, provided essential training and provided essential safety equipment.
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