Life-saving training highlights importance of safety at sea
No one wants to experience a man overboard (MOB) incident while at sea but being prepared for the worst can make all the difference.
To help fishermen reduce the risk of going overboard and improve their chances of survival, we partner with the RNLI to deliver training in the form of MOB awareness events across the country.
A recent training event at 3t’s state-of-the-art training centre in Dyce, near Aberdeen, brought vessel skippers and crew face-to-face with challenging, hands-on scenarios.
Participants practiced key survival techniques and learned why wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) is critical in emergencies.
During the physically demanding session, attendees worked through scenarios designed to prepare them for real-life emergencies at sea.
Training included:
- Understanding the causes of falling overboard.
- Learning how to prevent such incidents.
- Improving survival chances in the water.
- Simulated MOB experiences in various weather conditions, wearing both oilskins and PFDs.
- Practicing climbing into a life raft with simulated weather conditions.
- Using tools like lines, tyres, and ladders to assist self recovery.
These practical exercises, conducted in an environmental pool which mimics the cold water and stormy conditions at sea, underscored the importance of always wearing a lifejacket while at sea.
Neil McAleese, our Head of Industry Workforce Issues, said:
Having completed this training myself, I would strongly encourage all fishermen to undertake it.
Not only does it equip you with the knowledge and experience of a man overboard incident in a controlled environment, but it also prompts you to think about how to avoid such incidents altogether.
Man overboard incidents remain the leading cause of fatalities in the fishing industry.
Feedback from previous events shows that over 90% of attendees reported a positive change in behaviour regarding wearing PFDs while working on deck.
With this in mind, Seafish and the RNLI remain committed to running MOB awareness events across the UK to help eliminate preventable deaths and accidents within the fishing industry.
3t is a leading provider of training services and works with various industries including marine, oil and gas and renewables to help ensure staff are as prepared as possible for the most difficult situations.
Calum Lawrie, Senior Key Account Manager at 3t, added:
At 3t, we are dedicated to equipping the fishing community with the skills they need to stay safe at sea.
The Man Overboard sessions not only prepare participants for the physical challenges of an emergency but also emphasize the life-saving role of PFDs.
Training like this ensures fishermen return home safely to their families, and we are proud to support Seafish in this critical initiative.
Andrew Innes, Industry Advisor for the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, who completed the training in Aberdeen in 2024, shared his perspective.
He said:
I consider myself a strong swimmer but found myself struggling after a few minutes.
I would encourage all fishermen to participate in these sessions as it really highlighted the danger of not wearing a lifejacket.