Mandatory backup systems and adequate bridge alarms to improve safety

The Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management is working on a legal requirement for a backup in bilge systems on board of fishing vessels. This requirement must improve safety on fishing vessels. This requirement is being introduced following the report of the Dutch Safety Board ‘Fishing vessel sinks due to failure of bilge pumping system UK-160 Riemda’. The reason for the investigation was the Dutch fishing vessel UK-160 Riemda, that sank off the French coast in 2020.

The Minister plans to make it mandatory for fishing vessels to have a backup in bilge systems and an adequate bridge alarm for when a bilge pump fails. The requirement will most likely take effect in 2024 for fishing vessels up to 24 meters. The requirements for fishing vessels above 24 meters will be updated later on.

In the report the Dutch Safety Board concluded that the vessel was lost as a result of a combination of multiple failing barriers, including a failing bilge pump (with no backup). In order to improve safety on fishing vessels the Dutch Safety Board issued recommendations to the owner of the ship, the Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management, the Fisheries Sector Council and some international Fisheries sector organizations.