Norwegian Maritime Authority to increase inspections of crab fishing vessels following fatal man overboard incident

The Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA) has stated that it will carry out extraordinary inspections of ocean-going crab fishing vessels in the aftermath of a man overboard incident wherein a seafarer disappeared earlier this year.

The incident involved a crewmember on the Norwegian-flagged crab fishing vessel Hunter, which was engaged in snow crab fishing in the Barents Sea on January 30, 2023. The NMA said this individual is still missing as of Wednesday, February 15, and is believed to have died.

As a result of the serious incident, the NMA has requested owners of this type of vessel to re-examine work processes together with crews to identify hazards and implement measures that eliminate the risk of falling overboard, including being dragged overboard with deck equipment.

Arild Lie, chief engineer in NMA’s fishing vessel subdivision, said that owners will also be asked to ensure that crewmembers can communicate in the working language on board, and that adequate and reliable communication systems have been established between the wheelhouse and the working deck, as well as among the crewmembers on the working deck.

The inspections seek to determine whether the risk assessments carried out are appropriate and adapted to the work operations on board and that identified measures that remove or reduce the hazards have actually been implemented.

If it is discovered that the requirements in the regulations have not been met, an order will be issued to carry out the said measures. Such measures can include physical barriers, safety and security devices, and anti-slip protection to eliminate the the risk of falling overboard.