Tuesday 17 February 2026
Stability hazards remain a significant safety issue. Small changes to your vessel — like adding gear, modifying tanks, or shifting weight — can affect your vessel’s stability. What seems minor could put your crew at serious risk.
Stability isn’t just about design — it’s also about how you operate.
Overloading, poor stowage, fishing gear hook-ups on underwater objects, and movement of people on board all increase risk of instability.
Be prepared to respond safely
- Assess stability before making changes — ask an accredited marine surveyor for advice.
- Assess and address stability risks in the vessel’s SMS.
- Keep a record of vessel modifications affecting stability
- Train your crew to respond to loss of stability.
Resources
- Requirement: Stability risk assessment
- Requirement: Record vessel modifications that may affect stability
- Fishing vessel stability checklist (PDF) PDF532.8 KB
- Hook-up response for trawlers
- Guide to fishing vessel stability (booklet).
Get informed on stability risks and how to address them
Visit amsa.gov.au/stability for information.