Commercial fisheries is a hazardous occupation. Every day hundreds of fishers are injured and more than 80 fishers die while involved in fishing operations. Fishers often work long hours under harsh weather conditions, which increases the likelihood they will experience accidents or injury. Climate change has aggravated the hazardous conditions under which most fishers work, as extreme weather events continue to increase in number and severity, and natural disasters become more prevalent and destructive.

Despite greater awareness and improved practices in some countries, the number of accidents and deaths among fishers has risen with the increase in commercial fishers worldwide, causing major impacts on families, fishing crews and communities.

This website aims to increase awareness about safety at sea in the fishery sector. The Fishing Safety website provides a gateway to information and capacity building materials related to safety for fishers and fishing vessels at sea.

In depth

Latest publications
Strengthening safety and insurance access for small-scale fishers
2026

Small-scale fishing vessels make up most of the global marine fleet, yet only about 5 percent are insured. This flyer describes a project that addressed...

Guidelines for insurance value and risk assessment of small fishing vessels
2025

These guidelines support the provision of insurance for small-scale fisheries by outlining value and risk assessment methods for motorized fishing vessels...

Guidelines for the seaworthiness and safety inspection of small fishing vessels
2025

These guidelines on seaworthiness and safety inspections of small fishing vessels aim to prevent accidents, reduce losses in small-scale fisheries,...

Did you know?

  • Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.
  • FAO estimates that annually more than 32 000 fishers die when doing their job.
  • Decent and safe working conditions and safety training can significantly reduce accidents in commercial fishing.
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