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.

In response to a continuing high loss of commercial fishing vessels and crews, the U.S. Congress has mandated development of new safety requirements for the industry. This volume provides a blueprint for an integrated national safety program that responds realistically to industry conditions, with priority on the most cost-effective alternatives. Fishing Vessel Safety addresses the role of the U.S. Coast Guard and the fishing industry and evaluates such safety measures as vessel inspection and registration, and the training and licensing of fishermen. It explores vessel condition, the role of human behavior, the problem of weather prediction, the high cost of insurance, and more.

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.

The actual Code of conduct is also available (1996) (ISBN 9251038341).

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.