To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport what recent progress has been made by the Marine and Coastguard Agency in implementing the findings of research it has commissioned on small vessel safety; and if he will make a statement. (293176)

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in conjunction with the key stakeholders, including the Fishing Industry Safety Group (FISG), continues to work on improvements for small vessel safety with the industry through an improving safety culture, influenced by consultants, surveyors and, where appropriate, fishermen.

The MCA has an ongoing programme of research. Each piece of research is validated and subject to cost-benefit analysis. Where practicable and agreed suitable for application it is implemented either through mandatory regulation, instructions to surveyors, or guidance for industry.

Currently, the MCA is considering the outputs of research projects, carried out by a number of consultancies, and accident investigations focussing on the stability and seaworthiness of small vessels.

The review of the fishing vessel projects is being undertaken in conjunction with the Stability Sub-Group of FISG, to ensure they are consistent and address the underlying safety problems identified from the accident investigations.