This publication contains the report of an expert meeting, held in Fiji in February 2004, organised to consider regional and national sea safety programmes, following on from a survey undertaken in 2003 in the Pacific Islands region. The survey highlighted the significant number of deaths in the region associated with small fishing boats which have received the least attention in terms of legislation, construction standards, enforcement strategies, regional discussions, training or proper use.
In 2003, FAO undertook a survey on fisheries-related sea safety in the Pacific Islands. A major conclusion was that the majority of loss of life in the region is associated with small fishing boats which have received the least attention in terms of legislation, construction standards, enforcement strategies, regional discussions, training or proper use. The report indicated that many of these issues have facets that involve law, naval architecture, search, rescue, community awareness, maritime administration, fisheries and other fields. FAO and SPC organized this Consultation with experts in these disciplines.
The purpose of the Consultation was to provide guidance to FAO regarding the development of guidelines for best practices to improve safety at sea in the fisheries sector. The Consultation also made recommendations regarding the scope of the guidelines, the special needs of developing countries, and other specific consideration and goals.
The Regional Workshop on Safety at Sea in Artisanal and Small-scale Fisheries in the South West Indian Ocean was held in Moroni, Union of the Comoros, from 12 to 14 December 2006. Forty-one experts from the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) region including an expert from Sweden and representatives of FAO participated. The workshop was organized and implemented by the Fishing Technology Service of the FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, in close collaboration with the FAO Subregional Office for Southern Africa. During the workshop, the results of the Study on safety at sea in artisanal and smallscale fisheries in the South West Indian Ocean, conducted in May 2006, were presented. In addition, seven experts from SWIOFC member States made presentations and took up matters affecting safety at sea in their countries. Experts from Grenada, Sweden and FAO made presentations on global and regional aspects of safety at sea that enriched the information provided to the delegates. The information presented was debated in four working groups on different themes covering fishing operations, data collection, legal framework and technology.
The purpose of the Consultation was to provide guidance to FAO regarding the development of guidelines for best practices to improve safety at sea in the fisheries sector. The Consultation also made recommendations regarding the scope of the guidelines, the special needs of developing countries, and other specific consideration and goals.
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.
The Regional Workshop on Safety at Sea in Artisanal and Small-scale Fisheries in Latin America and the Caribbean took place in the city of Paita, Peru, from 2 to 4 July 2007. Thirty-seven Latin American experts, as well as experts from Sweden and representatives of FAO and the Latin American Organization for Fisheries Development (OLDEPESCA) participated. The workshop was developed through joint cooperation between the Fishing Technology Service (FIIT) of FAO and OLDEPESCA. During the workshop, the results of the "Study on safety at sea in artisanal and small-scale fisheries in Latin America and the Caribbean" were presented, as well as other presentations on different aspects of safety at sea by invited experts. In addition, experts from participating countries made presentations on the situation of safety at sea in small-scale fisheries in their respective countries. The information presented was debated in plenary and included such themes as safety at sea in fisheries management, safety measures and fishing operations, registration of information on accidents at sea and legislation, as well as technology, design and construction of vessels. Finally, the framework for a regional strategy on safety of human lives at sea and a work programme whose objective is to strengthen systems on safety at sea through regional and international cooperation was elaborated and approved by the participants. The unedited presentations can be found on the CD-ROM included in this publication.
In 2003, FAO undertook a survey on fisheries-related sea safety in the Pacific Islands. A major conclusion was that the majority of loss of life in the region is associated with small fishing boats which have received the least attention in terms of legislation, construction standards, enforcement strategies, regional discussions, training or proper use. The report indicated that many of these issues have facets that involve law, naval architecture, search, rescue, community awareness, maritime administration, fisheries and other fields. FAO and SPC organized this Consultation with experts in these disciplines.
These guidelines have been produced to support implementation of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries with regard to safety at sea in the fisheries sector. Their purpose 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. The guidelines contribute to Strategic Objective 5: Increase the resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises.
