A crewmember accidentally fell overboard while black cod fishing. The weather was calm and sea conditions were good,
with only low swells. Two crewmembers were making a second attempt to stack a heavy trap when it fell off the pile again.
Both crewmembers scrambled to get out of its way. As one crewmember moved to one side, the vessel rolled off a small
swell to the same side. This caused him to stumble and fall overboard wearing his rain gear, rubber boots, and thick
clothing. He could not swim and was not wearing a personal flotation device. He was retrieved in less than 10 minutes,
but he could not be revived.
Safe work practices:
- Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD) while on deck of any vessel.
(A wide range of lightweight and comfortable
PFDs meet WCB requirements.)
- Install adequate guarding in all areas where it will
not affect the fishing operation.
- Check that proper lifesaving
equipment, including a life
ring, is readily available
for use in crewmember
overboard situations.
- Conduct annual and
periodic safety drills on
all working vessels.
