Local representatives of Queensland’s fishing industry said that potentially life saving practices was being ignored. Michael Barnes made the observation in Maroochydore Coroners Court last week after the inquest into the suspected death of prawn trawler skipper Ross Irwin. The trawler of Irwin was capsized off Fraser Island two years ago and he disappeared. But the two fellow crew members survived the ordeal and appeared in the court to give their accounts of events.
After the description of the stories of two crew members who survived, Barnes suggested regular safety drills and making safety gear use compulsory. He also said that it was unlikely to happen when the owners don’t believe it is necessary. According to him it is the responsibility of owners and skippers to ensure that crew are equipped to deal with the dangers of their work.
Jo Henebery, of the Independent Trawler Association, told that the industry was constantly working with governments and other bodies to improve safety. She also said that the association is closely working with Maritime Safety Queensland on a lot of other safety issues for trawlers. Barnes informed that a shipping inspector appointed from the Queensland Water Police conducted a full investigation into the circumstances of (the capsizing) and provided a report to MSQ.
