Weather, bar crossings, and navigation are some of the most ongoing and serious risks in the commercial seafood industry. Many major incidents, vessel losses, and fatalities are linked to changing weather, difficult sea conditions, vessel capability, crew experience, fatigue, and pressure to operate within limited fishing windows.

Although these hazards are well known and strongly regulated, they are often treated as compliance and equipment issues, or only examined after an incident has occurred. In reality, they are everyday decision making challenges faced by skippers and crews at sea.

Bar crossings are especially high risk, where environmental danger and human judgement meet. Small mistakes, limited information, or pressure to continue can quickly lead to serious or catastrophic outcomes.