Fishing Safety

About Fishing Safety

FAO estimates that roughly 39 million fishers are working aboard 4.56 million fishing vessels operating in capture fisheries. About two-thirds of the global fishing fleet (2.86 million vessels) are motorized and 82 percent of these vessels are smaller than 12 metres in length and generally undecked. Most fishing vessels (67 percent) are active in the Asian region, followed by Africa (20 percent) and the Americas (10 percent). About 97 percent of the fishing vessels operating worldwide are below 24 metres in length and therefore not covered adequately by internationally agreed conventions and agreements.  

Although exact figures are unavailable, conservative estimates of fishing fatalities have increased to more than 32 000 people annually. The numbers of fishers injured or suffering from work-related illnesses are much higher. Many developed countries remain above the fatality rate in fishing, of 80 deaths per 100 000 fishers per year, estimated by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 1999.  The numbers of fishing accidents and fatalities in most of the developed countries are declining slowly. Various developing countries reported that the number of fishing accidents has been on the rise and that the issue of safety at sea is being inadequately dealt with in fisheries.

Most fishing accidents and injuries are happening in small-scale fisheries. Captains and crew on small-scale vessels are often not well-trained in handling their vessels safely, do not possess or carry safety gears, lack adequate navigation and communication equipment, are not sufficiently prepared for emergency situations at sea, and have generally limited knowledge of outboard engine repair, safety risk management, basic marine traffic rules and emergency first aid.

Common accidents in fishing operations resulting in injuries and fatalities include, for instance, capsizing of vessels, fire on-board, man overboard, entanglement in machinery or gears, tripping or falling, injuries from gear handling or fish caught, leakages, engine or steering system failures, collisions, and exposure to toxic gasses in enclosed spaces on-board.

Recognition of the importance of improving safety in fishing operations is the first step towards accident prevention and mitigation. Both administrators and fishers should share responsibility for safety at sea in the fisheries sector. Similarly, safety awareness raising, capacity building on fishing safety, application of safety practices, measures, and reporting to make fishing a safer profession, should take place in partnership between fishers, their organizations and administrations.