Seafish announces next run of Man Overboard Awareness events

Training events are being offered to fishing industry workers to help raise awareness of the dangers of going overboard and improve survival chances in an emergency.
Organised by Seafish, the public body that supports the UK's seafood sectors and the Home and Dry Fishing Safety Forum, a series of Man Overboard Awareness events will be delivered for people working on fishing vessels towards the end of this year and into 2027 around the UK.

The sessions give participants the opportunity to experience a simulated man overboard emergency in controlled conditions and learn practical techniques that could help save a life.

The training focuses on both preventing incidents and improving the chances of survival should someone enter the water.

Falling overboard remains a major safety risk within the fishing industry and is the single biggest cause of workplace fatalities in the sector.

Neil McAleese, Head of Industry Workforce Issues at Seafish, said: “It’s vital that people working at sea understand the risks of going overboard and, importantly, know what they can do to improve their chances of survival. "These events give participants the opportunity to experience some of those challenges for themselves in a safe and controlled environment.”

Current dates and locations include:
• Northern Ireland – October 12, 2026 at National Fisheries College, Greencastle.
• Lowestoft – November 19, 2026 at East Coast College, Lowestoft Campus.
• Fleetwood Nautical College – February 5, 2027.
• South Shields – February 11, 2027 at Marine and Offshore Safety Training Campus, South Shields.
• Aberdeen – Dyce, 3T Training Services in March with exact date to be confirmed.

There is no charge to attend, with the cost of delivering the events being met by Seafish. Reasonable travel and subsistence costs will also be reimbursed by Seafish. Thanks to secured regional funding, fishers will also receive a £200 reimbursement for lost earnings while attending this training. This provides meaningful recognition of both the importance of the safety course and the value of fishers taking time away from work to participate.

To book a place, or find out more, contact Lee Haigh on 07904 660484, Hannah Ebo on 07876 035742, or email training@seafish.co.uk.

For further information please visit Man Overboard Awareness Events | Seafish