12.2.2 Limitations on the use of this method

12.2.2 Limitations on the use of this method

.1A long period of roll, corresponding to a GMo of 0.20 m or below, indicates a condition of low

stability. However, under such circumstances, accuracy in determination of the actual value of GMo is reduced. .2If, for some reason, these rolling tests are carried out in open, deep but smooth waters,

inducing the roll, for example, by putting over the helm, then the GMo calculated by using the method and coefficient of paragraph 1 above should be reduced by a figure to be estimated by the Administration to obtain the final answer. .3The determination of stability by means of the rolling test in disturbed waters should only be

regarded as a very approximate estimation. If such a test is performed, care should be taken to discard readings, which depart appreciably from the majority of other observations. Forced oscillations corresponding to the sea period and differing from the natural period at which the vessel seems to move should be disregarded. In order to obtain satisfactory results, it may be necessary to select intervals when the sea action is least violent and it may be necessary to discard a considerable number of observations.

ANNEX 2 – STABILITY GUIDANCE NOTES FOR VESSEL OPERATORS

Applies to all fishing vessels (Pre-2004 and Post-2004)

(Referred to in Chapters 2, 3, 4, 6 and 11)

13.1Guidance on Capsize Safety

13.1.1Actions in Port .1It is important to ensure that the vessel is in as near an upright position as practicable prior to

departure.

13.1.2Reducing Top Weight .1It is prudent to identify any items fitted or stowed high on the vessel which are redundant and

therefore can be removed ashore. Anything, which can be moved, should be stowed somewhere lower.

.2“High” in this context means above main deck or thwart level. Pay particular attention to

masts and gantries, and deckhouse tops and contents, particularly in the case of spare fishing gear which can be heavy.

.3Removing top weight ashore always has two beneficial effects. The first is to increase

freeboard, thus helping to protect against shipping water and increasing the range of positive stability. It also lowers the centre of gravity, increasing both upright statical stability, and its positive range. This is particularly important for open boats.

13.1.3Vessel Modifications .1Vessel owners and/or masters must be aware of the dangers of carrying out modifications to

vessels, and note the requirements in section 1.5.5 above.

.2Never fit any ballast to a vessel in an attempt to improve statical stability, without professional

advice from a fully qualified naval architect. This is because one effect of adding ballast is to reduce freeboard. Its effect on stability is therefore uncertain without proper investigation.

.3If a vessel regularly rolls too quickly, or alternatively to unusually large angles in a seaway,

investigate fitting or increasing the area of bilge keels (rolling chocks), but take special care with their attachment to the hull.

.4If heavy items can be positioned, at the same height, either on the centreline or equally

distributed at the boat’s sides, then rolling will normally be reduced with such items at the sides.

.5Measures to limit roll are particularly important for open boats, or those of low freeboard, to

limit the potential for shipping water and swamping.

.6Never remove any ballast in an attempt to improve the rolling behaviour of a stiff vessel (that

is a boat with high initial stability, and therefore a short roll period), without the express professional advice of a fully qualified naval architect.

.7Investigate the possibilities for increasing reserve buoyancy; both to limit the chance of

capsize for decked vessels, and to increase the survivability of open boats in the event of swamping.

13.1.4Actions at Sea

13.1.4.1Watertight Integrity .1Whenever practicable, especially during bad weather or when undertaking fishing operations,

care should be taken to maintain watertight integrity. For instance, it is prudent to close and secure hatch covers, companionways etc., and to keep wheelhouse doors and windows closed whenever possible. Any hatch required to be opened at sea should be opened for as short a time as practicable. However, vessel operators should take care not to close ventilators to engine compartments or accommodation spaces, except when necessary in emergency situations.

13.1.4.2Freeing Ports (See also: Chapter 2, section 2.3) .1Operators of decked vessels must ensure that freeing ports are of adequate dimensions and

are correctly positioned so that they drain any water from the deck quickly and effectively. If fitted with flaps or slides, these should be regularly maintained and lubricated, and secured open at sea, if appropriate. Chapter 2 (section 2.3) gives technical advice on this subject. .2Care should be taken to ensure that freeing ports are not obstructed by fishing gear, catch,

etc., and that deck pound arrangements do not have the potential to trap water on deck.

13.1.4.3Stowage .1As little equipment as possible should be stowed at any time on the deck or in any other high

location, i.e. in deckhouses, forecastles, etc. .2Where practicable, on decked boats, spare fishing gear, fuel, water, ice and boxes - should be

securely stowed below deck, as should the catch, as soon as possible after taking it on board. .3All stowage must be secure. Care should be taken that fishing gear, catch, ice or boxes, cannot

shift as a result of vessel motion. .4The catch should be properly secured against shifting, which could cause dangerous trim or

heel of the vessel. The scantlings of portable fish-hold divisions, if fitted, should be to the satisfaction of the Authorised Person.

13.1.4.4Vessel Operation .1When working with gear such as trawls or dredges, arrange the towing blocks or other

attachment to the vessel, as low as possible and near to the centreline. .2If towed gear comes fast on a seabed or other obstruction - reduce engine power immediately.

.3If possible, handle heavy lifts, such as those generated by fastened fishing gear, near the

vessel’s centreline at bow or stern. .4Remember that the lives of the crew and the vessel are always more valuable than fishing

gear or lost time. If in any doubt, run off or cut-away fastened gear, buoy off, and return later with assistance for retrieval. .5Do not lift pots (creels), nets, cod ends, etc. from unnecessarily high points, as any suspended

load acts from the point of suspension.

.6It is advisable to avoid operating a vessel with a list.

.7Vessels engaged in bulk fishing are frequently loaded such that the reserves of stability and

freeboard remaining may be small with consequent danger to crew and the vessel itself. Maintenance of adequate freeboard in all parts of the vessel is an important feature of safe operation. When a vessel designed for a particular mode of fishing is altered to suit a different method with new arrangements and stowage of catch, the stability and freeboard should be verified for suitability. Safe limits of loading should be made available to masters in a readily understandable form.

ANNEX 3 – RADIO EQUIPMENT TESTS

(Referred to in Chapter 9)

Radio tests should be noted in the RADIO LOG – see Annex 4.

14.1Radio Equipment Tests and Reserve Power Checks

14.1.1Daily .1The proper functioning of the Digital Selective Calling (DSC) facilities shall be tested at least

once daily without radiation of signals, by use of the means provided by the equipment. .2Batteries providing a source of energy for any part of the radio installations shall be tested

daily and, where necessary, brought up to the fully charged condition. .3Where the reserve source of energy is not a battery (for example, a motor generator), the

reserve source of energy shall be tested daily.

14.1.2Weekly .1The proper operation of the DSC facilities shall be tested at least once each week by means of

a test call, when within communication range of a coast radio station fitted with DSC equipment. .2Where a ship has been out of communication range of a coast radio station fitted with DSC

equipment for a period of longer than one week, a test call shall be made on the first occasion that the ship is within communication range of such a coast radio station.

14.1.3Monthly .1Each EPIRB and satellite EPIRB shall be tested at least once each month to determine its

capability to operate properly using the means provided on the device and without using the satellite system. .2Each search and rescue radar transponder shall be checked at least once each month for

security and signs of damage. .3Each survival craft two-way VHF equipment shall be tested at least once each month on a

frequency other than 156.800 MHz (VHF channel 16). .4A check shall be made at least once each month on the security and condition of all batteries

providing a source of energy for any part of a radio installation. The battery connections and compartment shall also be checked.

ANNEX 4 – RADIO LOG

(Referred to in Chapter 9)

.1The following shall be recorded in the Radio Log:

a.the time and source of each communication relating to distress, urgency and safety

traffic and a summary of its contents; b.the occurrence and approximate time of important service incidents; and

c.the position of the vessel at, at least, one given time each day. .2The recording shall be made during or as soon as practicable after the event concerned.

ANNEX 5 - ANCHORS AND CABLES

(Referred to in Chapter 4)

Table of Requirements

LxBxD	Total weight of Anchors (kg)	Number of Anchors		Length of cable(m)			Diameter of chain (mm)	Diameter of rope (mm)
			Minimum Chain (m)		Total Length (m)
10	9	1	4		25		5	10
15	12	1	5		30		5	12
20	14	1	6		30		6	15
25	17	1	7		35		6	15
35	20	1	8		35		8	18
50	24	1	9		40		8	18
70	29	2	10		45		8	20
90	33	2	12		50		10	20
110	36	2	15		55		10	25
150	42	2	20		60		10	25
200	48	2	25		65		12	30
250	54	2	30		70		12	35
300	60	2	35		75		12	40
350	65	2	40		80		12	40

Notes

L = Length overall in metres

B = Beam in Metres (Maximum -Outside planking or plating)

D = Depth in Metres (Maximum -Deck at side to top of keel)

Example:

GRP Potter:- L = 11.34 m; Beam = 4.08 m; Depth = 2.12 m

11.34 x 4.08 x 2.12 = 98.08;

Therefore, using Table, requirement is Total anchor weight of 34 kg (1 anchor 20 kg and 1 anchor 14 kg).

Minimum length of anchor chain 15 metres of 10 mm dia, plus 38 metres of 25 mm dia nylon rope. Length of anchor cable is subject to depth of water.

Chain cable diameter is given for short link chain. Chain cable should be sized in accordance with EN 24/565:1989 (Covering I.S.O. 4565:1986 and covered by BS 7160:1990 Anchor chains for Small Craft) or equivalent.

(iii) The rope diameter given is for nylon construction, when rope of differing construction is provided, the breaking load should not be less than that of the nylon rope specified in the table.

(iv) Where stud link chain cable is used, the diameter may be 1.5 mm less than the tabular diameter stated.