107/98

In regards to the safety recommendation to consider the provision of conveyor systems in the fish holds of the Company vessels where these are not already fitted and where the dimensions and layout of the hold are such that fitting is practicable, it is our view that we have fitted conveyor systems in the Company vessels that are practicable and we do not intend to adopt this safety recommendation for other vessels in our fleet. Our reasons for not adopting this safety recommendation are that all our bigger vessels have conveyor systems fitted, and in the majority of instances they only use the conveyor system for carrying fish as the practicalities of carrying fish bins or tubs on conveyors give rise to a whole range of additional safety concerns, both in terms of the operation of the conveyor and in terms of the physical mass of the conveyor that has to be so substantial to maintain the operational strength.