MANY accidents at sea could be prevented if basic safety precautions were taken, the Minister for the Marine, Mr Barrett, said yesterday.
He was speaking at the launch of a safety training initiative by Bord Iascaigh Mhara following recommendations by the Fishing Vessel Safety Review Group.
A new 40 ft training unit will travel around the coastline providing practical instruction to fishermen. The unit will give training in the use of wheelhouse electronic equipment, fire prevention, navigation and chart work and the running of mechanical and electrical systems.
It is hoped that the unit will eventually be used to provide general training, including vessel management, gear technology and fish farm husbandry. The unit will allow fishermen to train at their own ports, even if they are in isolated areas.
"It is not sufficient that fishermen are in possession of safety equipment when they put to sea," said Mr Barrett. "It is vitally important that they realise that it's there to save their lives and that they must have the training necessary to allow them to use it properly when required."