Safety Issues Group

The AINA Safety Issues Group (SIG) is a forum open to all AINA members to share information and expertise on a wide range of safety-related issues.  The SIG advises the AINA Executive Committee on safety policy and also acts as a delivery agent on its behalf.

This proactive specialist interest group has delivered a great deal of valuable advice and guidance to AINA Members for nearly a decade on a wide range of safety-related issues affecting navigation authorities.  This is a call for all AINA Members who have a particular interest or concerns about safety on or adjacent to the waterways to nominate an individual to join the SIG. 

Agenda items for the meeting on 20 May include:

  • An update of the SIG’s role in relation to the National Water Safety Forum
  • Preparing guidance on open water swimming
  • Preparing guidance on public rescue equipment of inland waters
  • Incident reporting for inland waterways – the future for IRIS
  • The Hire Boat Code – Part 2 for non-powered vessels
  • Review of MCA ‘fitness for purpose’ standards for non-passenger carrying freight/workboats

Membership of the SIG

Membership of the SIG is open to all AINA members.  A current list of members is available by clicking here.  Any AINA members interested in joining the SIG should contact the AINA office.

SIG Terms of Reference

The terms of reference for the SIG are available by clicking here.

Safety roles and responsibilities of navigation authorities

A guidance note on the responsibilities of navigation authorities for the health and safety of its users and visitors is available by clicking here.

Managing inland waterway safety risks

AINA's document, Managing Inland Waterway Safety Risks: A good practice guide for navigation authorities (2003) is available by clicking here.

Incident Reporting and Investigation System (IRIS)

Information on IRIS will appear here shortly.

Navigation signs and symbols

AINA's document, Navigation Signs & Symbols: An industry standard for UK inland waterways (2008) is available by clicking here.

The Small Passenger Boat Code

The AINA/MCA document, Sound practice, safer waters: Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code (2004) is available by clicking here.

The Hire Boat Code

AINA has had a significant role in the preparation of a Code of Practice for the Design, Construction and Operation of Hire Boats on inland waters.  The Hire Boat Code is aimed at setting technical and operational standards for powered vessels let for hire on inland waters.  The Code is voluntary for navigation authorities and local authorities to adopt as the standard for vessels that are let for hire without a skipper.

The Code is available on the Maritime & Coastguard Agency's website here.