Fishing operations. 3. Best practices to improve safety at sea in the fisheries sector.

Abstract

Article 6, paragraph 6.17, of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries recognizes that “States should ensure that fishing facilities and equipment, as well as all fishing activities, allow for safe, healthy and fair working conditions and meet internationally agreed standards adopted by relevant international organizations”. Consequently, following directions from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on Fisheries, the three principle relevant international organizations, FAO, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), have cooperated in the development of mandatory and voluntary instruments, as well as guidelines for their implementation. Such cooperation was crucial in the revision of Parts A and B of the FAO/ILO/IMO Code of Safety for Fishermen and Fishing Vessels, as well as the in the development of the Voluntary Guidelines for the Design, Construction and Equipment of Small Fishing Vessels and in the development of: • Safety Recommendations for Decked Fishing Vessels of Less than 12 metres in Length and Undecked Fishing Vessels; • Implementation Guidelines on Part B of the Code, the Voluntary Guidelines and the Safety Recommendations; and • Revision of the Document for Guidance on Training and Certification of Fishing Vessel Personnel. Furthermore, FAO cooperated with ILO in the development of its Work in Fishing Convention (No. 188) and in 2012 with IMO in finalizing the Cape Town Agreement on the implementation of the Protocol to the Torremolinos Convention. Therefore, for the first time standards are now available for fishing vessels of all sizes and may be readily applied to many vessels used in aquaculture activities. Consequently, there is a sound basis to move forward with the development of Best Practices for Safety at Sea in the Fisheries Sector, as recommended by an Expert Consultation held in Rome, Italy, from 10 to 13 November 2008. It is noted, however, that vessels used in support of aquaculture may fall under legislation promulgated for fishing and non-capture fisheries operations; hence, the need for close cooperation between fisheries and maritime administrations. The purpose of these guidelines is to enable relevant authorities to develop and implement strategies aimed at improved safety, health and conditions of service at sea in capture fisheries and aquaculture operations. They apply to all commercial fishing activities, as well as activities at sea within the aquaculture sector. Furthermore, the principles therein, may also be applied to vessels engaged in fisheries research. However, while these guidelines are not directed at sport and recreational activities carried out within the aquatic environment, administrations responsible for such sectors may well take note of the safety and health issues therein.