FishSAFE fundamentally improved safety for fishermen working in the challenging environment of the UK Continental Shelf when it was introduced – and now FLTC, along with SFF, NFFO and Seafish, are celebrating the 25 anniversary of FishSAFE.
It was developed in response to the loss of Westhaven and its crew in 1997. The purpose behind FishSAFE was to prevent fishermen from unknowingly encountering subsea hazards that could endanger lives, vessels and livelihoods. This is the mission that remains at the heart of everything FLTC does.
FishSAFE provides accurate, up-to-date information on oil and gas infrastructure, helping them avoid dangerous interactions with pipelines, wellheads and other subsea obstructions. These hazards, often invisible beneath the surface, have historically posed serious risks.
‘For 25 years, FishSAFE has been making a tangible difference to the safety of fishermen working in some of the most challenging conditions anywhere in the world. What began as a response to tragedy has become a vital, trusted tool that helps crews avoid unseen hazards and return home safely,’ said Charles Scott, executive chairman of UK Fisheries Offshore Oil and Gas Legacy Trust Fund Limited (FLTC).
‘This milestone is a testament to the power of collaboration between industries, and to our shared commitment to protecting lives at sea. We’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved, and even more determined to keep building on that success for the future.’
Managed by Seafish’s Kingfisher team, the service provides data on thousands of offshore oil and gas structures and hazards within the UK EEZ. The information is delivered free of charge every six months directly to vessels.
‘FishSAFE shows what can be achieved when very different industries share a strong desire to collaborate, improve practices and commit for the long term,’ commented Kingfisher and Geospatial Services Manager Matt Frow.
‘The Kingfisher team has been involved from the start, and this milestone is not just about longevity, but about the real impact the service has had in reducing risk at sea.’
FishSAFE units act as a constant, hands-free safety companion. By linking the vessel’s GPS position to a comprehensive database of offshore infrastructure, the system continuously monitors the surrounding area and provides clear, timely warnings of potential danger.
When a vessel approaches a hazard, the FishSAFE unit triggers both visual and audible alarms, giving skippers critical time to take evasive action. The system displays nearby structures and safety zones on-screen, often within a six-mile radius, enabling crews to make informed decisions and avoid costly or dangerous incidents.
Over the years, continuous innovation – including modern Mk3 units with high-resolution displays and automatic data updates – has ensured fishermen always have access to the latest, most reliable safety information. Hundreds of units are now in operation across the UK fleet, providing re-assurance and protection to those working in proximity to offshore installations, and FLTC acknowledges the invaluable financial support provided by the European Union and the Scottish Government to make this technology widely accessible.
‘FishSAFE has become an essential part of everyday life for many fishermen, giving them the confidence to work safely in areas where offshore infrastructure is present,’ said Scottish Fishermen’s Federation chief executive Elspeth Macdonald.
‘Having clear, reliable information right there in the wheelhouse makes a real difference, not just in avoiding costly gear loss, but in protecting lives. The system reflects what can be achieved when the fishing industry works closely with others to address shared challenges, and its impact over the past 25 years has been hugely positive for our sector.’
