Safe Navigation near Marine Aquaculture Farm

Navigating in proximity to fish farms, and other marine aquaculture installations, presents significant risks for navigation officers and vessel operators. With the growing distribution of these facilities along coastal waters and further offshore, the hazards to safe navigation — including collisions, damage to vessels or farm equipment, environmental pollution, and legal or financial consequences — have increased.

The Club’s Risk Alert RA 119 provides essential guidance to support Members and mariners operate safely in these areas. The Risk Alert highlights the importance of thorough voyage planning, including the identification and marking of aquaculture zones and restricted areas on navigational charts, the need to maintain a sharp lookout and compliance with local regulations and reporting requirements. The alert also highlights the risks associated with human factors, equipment limitations, and over-reliance on AIS data, outlining best practices to minimise these risks.

By following these recommendations, vessel operators can reduce the likelihood of an incident, protect the marine environment, and ensure that both vessel and aquaculture operations continue without disruption.

Read full Risk Alert now