AN INQUIRY into the loss of the Pere Charles fishing vessel has recommended that marine authorities consider establishing port training courses in order to spread a culture of safety throughout the fishing fleet.
The Marine Casualty Investigation Board's report has concluded that the Pere Charles, which sank with five crew off the southeast coast in January of 2007, lost stability after being flooded.
The vessel was carrying a greater load of fish than on previous trips and was lying deeper in the water. The report says it is likely the vessel became swamped as waves which broke over the stern became trapped in the forward section of the vessel.
Structural flaws in the boat meant that more water than usual collected at this forward end of the vessel.
The report says that no stability tests were carried out after the vessel was modified on several occasions between 2001 and 2006. Legislation at the time, which has since been amended, exempted vessels of a size similar to that of the Pere Charles from such surveys.
The report says these amended regulations fundamentally address many of the issues raised in its inquiry.
In addition, the report says port training courses should include education on the dangers associated with carrying out structural modifications to fishing vessels.
The fishing industry must also take responsibility for the safety of the industry and work to improve safety culture, the report says.
While all fishing vessels are now subject to stability tests, the report recommends that the Department of Transport carry out a full reassessment of survey requirements to ensure there are sufficient personnel on board to enforce safety regulations.
"Enforcement of regulations should lead to a reduction in the number of lives lost in the Irish fishing industry," the report notes.
Other recent amendments to the law include a requirement that all fishing vessels have a "safe manning document" on board. Previously this applied only to vessels of more than 500 gross tonnes. The report says a marine notice should be issued, stating these regulations clearly.
Those who died on the Pere Charles were Tom Hennessy (32); his uncle, Pat Hennessy (48); Billy O'Connor (50); Pat Coady (27) and Ukrainian national Andriy Dyrin (32).
