A Fire Safety Day is being held in Newlyn on Thursday July, 3 aimed at decked fishing vessels under 16.5 meters.

This is a joint initiative by the Cornwall Fisheries Resource Centre (CFRC), MCA, MAIB, Cornwall Fire Brigade, Ocean Engineering (FIRE) Ltd, Newline Fuels and the RNLI.

The day will incorporate advice and demonstrations on the use of flares and fire extinguishers along with opportunities to observe the latest fire detection and fire fighting equipment. Fishermen will have the opportunity to practice correct fire fighting techniques, using a variety of devices including the latest Nitrogen and Water based system developed by Ocean Engineering (Fire) Ltd which is available locally through Newline Fuels, Newlyn.

Throughout the day, Cornwall Fire Brigade will offer fishing vessels FREE Fire Safety Checks and FREE Smoke Detectors along with demonstrations of Portable and Ejector Pumps.

Sean Friday, RNLI Fishing Safety Coordinator, will be on hand to offer advice and information on the "top ten ranked lifejackets" and will also be demonstrating the RNLI's MOB Guardian, an innovative man overboard alerting system developed by the charity.

A recent study by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) showed that the fishing industry is 115 times more dangerous than the construction industry, and that those working in the under 16.5m sector, representing 89% of the fleet, are particularly at risk.

MCA Fishing Vessel Surveyor, Mike Collier added, "A fire at sea can be a terrifying experience; therefore early warning of a problem and the knowledge of how to tackle it is essential".

The Code of Practice for the Safety of Small Fishing Vessels requires that all decked vessels should have Smoke Alarms fitted in the Cabin and the Engine Space. All vessels are required to carry Fire Extinguishers and if fitted with a Galley or cooking appliance, a Fire Blanket.

Fire Safety Day Timetable: 10.00am Flare Demonstration with Mike Collier MCA.

10.30am Fire Extinguisher Demo and Practice Session with Ocean Engineering (Fire) Ltd.

11.30am Light Portable Pump Demonstration with Cornwall Fire Brigade.

12.00 noon Ejector Pump Demonstration with Cornwall Fire Brigade Activities will be based around the Lifeboat Station, Newlyn Harbour Car Park.