Safety at sea for small scale fishers.

Abstract

This manual on safety at sea for small-scale fishers aims to contribute to a culture of safety awareness among fisherfolk, reduce the number of accidents and increase the chances of survival if accidents occur. The manual provides guidance on safety matters related to the work on a small-scale fishing vessel (e.g. fire safety, deck safety, lifesaving equipment, lighting and ventilation), personal safety and navigation safety. Checks and procedures to be performed before a fishing trip, as well as guidance for survival at sea, are also included in this manual.

This manual was prepared by FAO in close collaboration with the Bay of Bengal Programme –Intergovernmental Organisation (BOBP-IGO). The manual was made in support of the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). The production of this document was facilitated by a contribution from the Government of Norway to the FAO Umbrella Programme for the Promotion and Application of the SSF Guidelines. The manual is an updated version of a manual produced as part of the Tsunami rehabilitation programme in 2007, which was supported by the Government of Italy.