The most recent incident occurred on 6 October last year
A safety notice has been issued by the UK's Marine Accidents Investigation Branch to the owners and operators of beam and scallop trawlers.
The move follows two fatal accidents aboard UK vessels whereby chains in the dredging gear quick release mechanisms failed leading to fishing gear falling onto crew members.
The most recent incident occurred aboard the scallop dredger Honeybourne 3 off Newhaven.
Rob Loder is Principal Inspector for the MAIB: