Capacity building in fishing safety is required for a reduction in the level of accidents in the fishing industry. In many countries, obligatory safety training and education exists for fishing vessel personnel, maritime officers, marine engineers, electrical engineers, naval architects, boat builders, vessel inspectors and surveyors, fisheries managers and enforcement officers, accident investigators, search and rescue officers, and port managers.

The national legislation generally provides the basis for training requirements, certification of fishing vessel personnel and others, and assigns a competent authority to oversee the training programmes and certifications of service or competence. Educational institutions, such as universities, technical colleges, vocational schools or dedicated safety training centres, are accredited to deliver training and to issue certificates.