Now it is easy for the fishermen looking to buy additional safety equipment as EFF has made funds available to buy such equipments. The report says that up to 60 percent funding is available towards non-mandatory safety equipment through Axis 1 of the EFF scheme, the pot of money specifically set out for improvements on fishing vessels. People spending more than £1,000 on safety equipment beyond the minimum standards set by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency may qualify for the help available.
Steve Eglintine, UK Programme Manager for EFF, explained that the availability of the public money largely depends on individual circumstances, however people could save a significant proportion of the money they were looking to spend and we really don’t want them to miss out.
Some of the safety improvements previously funded through EFF in England include: a portable salvage pump to be used in case of flooding. Non-slip deck work on a vessel in Norfolk. Installing a self-shooting door on a vessel in Dorset. Purchasing and installing a new generator to provide additional power for safety working lights. Building and fitting new deck shelters and the etc.
The report says that the minimum award for funding is £500, therefore to qualify projects must cost at least £1,000 or more, depending on the size of vessel and type of fishing activity carried out. It is possible to combine the safety equipment with other vessel investments to make the application reach this amount.
