SiP019 – Guidance on Fishing Vessels

This guidance covers the safe operation of UK ports and harbours dealing with fishing vessels. It provides general advice and recommendations for the safe operation of small ports and harbours and also covers the specific needs of ports dealing with various types of fish as cargo.

The guidance is new for 2026 and produced as part of a project to support ports in improving the safety of the wider fishing sector, funded by The Seafarers’ Charity.

This open access version is available to download free of charge and is intended for all organisations operating in the UK ports industry with a duty of care and responsibility for the safe management, operation, or control of fishing ports. It will also be a useful guide to fishers.

Following this guidance is not compulsory and individual risk assessments should always be undertaken by competent individuals before undertaking any port operation. By following this guidance, companies and individuals will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seeking to secure compliance with the law may refer to this guidance.

Companies operating outside the UK may find the guidance helpful but should note that it refers solely to UK legislation.