The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) announces the appointment of a new Risk, Safety and Training Lead. The post is partially supported by a three-year grant from The Seafarers’ Charity. The new appointment of Charles Blyth, who has until recently served as a Marine Surveyor with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) aims to assist Federation members maintain the highest safety standards.
Chairman of the NFFO’s Risk Safety and Training Committee, Nigel Blazeby, said: “Charles is an experienced and respected Fishing Vessel Surveyor; in this role he will be pivotal in working in collaboration with government agencies and member’s vessels and crews such that NFFO becomes a beacon in managing risk at sea, and that the fleet is operated in the safest way possible and that crews are properly trained and receive the best welfare provision.”
Fair inspection
NFFO Chief Executive, Barrie Deas, added: “We are very lucky to secure the services of someone of Charles’s calibre. Helping our members and the wider industry to adjust to the new safety requirements, whilst engaging continuously with the MCA to ensure that inspections are fair, consistent, and proportionate will be at the heart of this role.”
“Keeping fishing vessels and their crews safe is of paramount importance, which we see as a joint government/industry challenge. Clear lines of communication are of the utmost significance, and this is where this role can help.”
Improving safety
“We are very pleased to be able to part fund this safety post. Improving safety at sea is one of our key aims. We believe this position will contribute to making fishing safer and thereby reducing future injury and accident.” - Catherine Spencer, CEO of The Seafarers’ Charity
