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.

These Guidelines for increasing access of small-scale fisheries to insurance services in Asia have been developed to support the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). The purpose of these Guidelines is fourfold, i.e. • to increase awareness about the needs of small-scale fishers for better risk management, disaster preparedness and insurance services; • to guide policy and decision makers to help introduce insurance services to small-scale fishers, with the ultimate objective to strengthen the sustainability and ecological and economic viability of these fisheries; • to build capacity among insurance providers, fisherfolk organizations, NGOs, and concerned government agencies, to design and implement insurance programmes that suit the needs of small-scale fishing communities and enhance social protection; • to promote insurance services that incentivize and reward a responsible and sustainable conduct of fishing operations and a better preparedness for natural disasters including climate change related challenges. These Guidelines commence by elaborating on the context and framework, in which insurance programmes for small-scale fisheries should be conceived. It is explained why most small-scale fishers are presently not insured. Major risks and consequences faced by fishers are identified. Risks include capsizing, grounding, collision and sinking of vessels; fire on board of vessels or in port; injury or death of crew as a result of above, human errors during navigation or fishing operations; oil spills or other pollution caused by fishing vessels; theft and vandalism, when moored in port; piracy

Drawing on previous surveys and country statistics, this report gives a regional overview of safety at sea, particularly for the small-scale fisheries sector. It notably focuses on vessel design, data recording, legislation and fisheries management.

This circular describes the fisheries accident management process. It contains guidelines for national agencies (competent authorities) involved in fisheries accident investigations. It provides competent authorities and their investigators with a structured approach to meeting their legislative requirements to record, investigate, analyse, and report on accidents in the fishing sector. These guidelines are based on international standards, models and lessons learned from various countries where similar accident management processes are in use. The draft guidelines were discussed and finalized at a Train - the - Trainer workshop on safety at sea for small-scale fishers in the Caribbean, which was attended by 30 professionals on safety at sea and fisheries from seven Caribbean countries and was held in Castries, Saint Lucia in January 2020. The fisheries accident management process outlined may also be useful for other regions, which have similar safety challenges and opportunities for safety improvements in fisheries. These guidelines are intended to apply to a wide range of undesired events, such as accidents involving minor and serious injuries, fatalities, vessel damage, incidents involving damaged equipment and near misses.

This manual on safety at sea for small-scale fishers in the Caribbean 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 actual Code of conduct is also available (1996) (ISBN 9251038341).

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.