We would formally call up the MAIB to back up what they say because it is a very damning and wild statement which is being made

Hamish Morrison of the SFF

In his annual report, Rear Admiral Lang said he faced a "formidable challenge" at a time when there was a "relentless decline" in standards among seafarers.

Rear Admiral Lang warned that safety standards were falling because of "the lengths some shippers will go to make a profit".

However, he revealed that the vast majority of accidents at sea are never investigated because of a lack of resources.

Only 49 of the 1,400 incidents reported last year were examined.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "A lot of people out there are trying extremely hard to produce a good service, well-run ships, well-motivated and well-trained crews.

Cost issue

"But they are being undermined continually by a percentage of people who are constantly trying to evade the international safety regulations and labour standards.

"They seek the cheapest possible options and are not disappointed by the ready availability of sub-standard vessels owned by people who are equally unconcerned by how they cut their operating costs."

Fishermen are accused of cutting corners

Mr Morrison said: "Really, I don't think there is evidence to make such a sweeping statement as that.

"It is very disappointing also when I hear this that, when I sit round the table with MAIB, it has never been mentioned to us.

"We would formally call up the MAIB to back up what they say because it is a very damning and wild statement which is being made.

"If the MAIB are unable to substantiate that with clear evidence, then I think MAIB has to look to themselves and look to the report and, in fact, look to their own credibility."

He added: "Certainly, marine accidents are too high. We accept that. We recognise how important it is to have marine accidents reduced bearing in mind that fishing is statistically 13 times more dangerous than coal mining.

"Having said all of that, the industry should be given credit for what it is doing, not just in terms of finding out the facts so that things can be done to reduce accidents, but also and especially in respect of training by fishermen of fishermen.

'Remarks in isolation'

"That's actively taking place right now. I find it astonishing that these remarks have been made apparently in isolation of what else is going on round about MAIB and don't forget MAIB participate with the industry in a number of initiatives. "

George Macrae of the Scottish White Fish Producers Association echoed Mr Morrison's remarks.

He said more evidence was needed to back up the claims.