DANGERS OF COMMERCIAL FISHING

Submitted by: Ramchurn Vharsha

Submitted to: Mrs Françoise Olivier-Utard

Course: UE 5 - Ethics, sciences and risks. Risk at Work

UFR Science Sociales, Pratiques Sociales et Développement

Master Life, Norm and Society (Fr/En)

1st Year/1st Semester

Date: 13th May 2011

I

contents

Contents……………………………………………………………………………………………I

List of Figures………………………………………………………………………………...….III

List of Abbreviations…………………………………………………………………………….IV

1.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………....1

1.1 Purpose of study……………………………………………………………………………….2

1.2 Objectives of study……………………………………………………………………………2

1.3 Justification of study…………………………………………………………………………..2

1.4 Identifying Information Types and Sources…………………………………………………..3

1.5 Project Structure……………………………………………………………………………….4

2.0 Section A: International Conventions and Guidelines for Safety at Sea……………………...5

2.1 ILO…………………………………………………………………………………………….5

2.2 IMO……………………………………………………………………………………………6

2.3 FAO…………………………………………………………………………………………...6

2.4 UN Law of the Sea Convention……………………………………………………………….7

3.0 Section B: Commercial Fishing Fatalities in the United States (Developed Country)………..7

3.1 NIOSH Recommendations to Fishermen…………………………………………………….10

3.2 Commercial Fishing in Alaska……………………………………………………………….10

4.0 Section C: Fisheries in Developing Countries - East and West Africa, South Asia, Latin

America and the Caribbean………………………………………………………………………13

II

4.1 Safety Measures in Developing Countries…………………………………………………...17

5.0 Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………...23

References………………………………………………………………………………………..25

III

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.0 Commercial Fishing fatalities from year 2000 to 2009

Figure 1.2 US Commercial Fishing Fatalities by Year and Incident Type 2000-2009 (N=504)

Figure 1.3 The causes for vessels disasters fatalities

Figure 1.4 The causes for falling overboard fatalities

Figure 1.5 Alaska Commercial Fishing Fatalities

Figure 1.6 Number of accidents by month in West Africa, 2007-2009

Figure 1.7 Marine accidents and fishing craft- Tamil Nadu-2000-2007

IV

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ACSA Alternate Compliance Safety Agreement

BOBP Bay of Bengal Programme

CFID Commercial Fishing Incident Database

CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

E-stop Emergency stop

EU European Union

EEZ Exclusive Economic Zones

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

ILO International Labor Organization

IMO International Maritime Organization

NIOSH National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

NGOs Non-Governmental Organizations

OLDEPESCA Organización Latinoamericana de Desarrollo Pesquero

PFD Personal Flotation Device

SAR Search and Rescue

SIFFS South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies

TCP Technical Corporation Programme

UN United Nations

US United States

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Topic: Dangers of Commercial Fishing

1.0 Introduction

Commercial fishing is the most dangerous job since ancient time. It is a worldwide

activity that involves the capture of marine and freshwater fish and shellfish and their

preparation for market. Around 35 million people are employed in the fishing industry

worldwide1. Nevertheless, commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations on

the planet. It is one of the most risky operations because of the all the dangers experienced at

sea. Fishing is hazardous even compared with such occupations as fire-fighting and mining.

The last estimate made by ILO2 in 1999 shows that more than 24,000 fishermen die each year

while working. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has listed occupations in commercial fishing

such as fishing boat captain, first mate, boatswain and others as the most risky jobs in the

United States for many years, with 504 workers deaths during 2000-2009.3 And in

developing countries, the amount of death due to fishing is 10 times the amount of death in

developed countries.

The risk features in commercial fishing jobs consists of:

tough and long hours that cause stress and exhaustion

very hazardous working conditions such as rough weather, risk of being swept

overboard by winds and waves, and risk of injuries on slippery decks

risk of injury from factors such as malfunctioning gear, entanglement in fishing nets

and the rest,

risk of shipwrecks,

isolation, with no access to first aid, relief, or evacuation nearby, and

conflicts onboard can also be the cause of death of some fishermen.

1 ILO Conference

2 International Labor Organization

3 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Commercial Fishing Incident Database (CFID)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal government agency (US)

responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and

illness.

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1.1 Purpose of study

The purpose of the project is to develop a synthesis about the dangers of commercial

fishing in a developed country such as the United States, concentrating on the Alaska region

and in developing countries such as East and West Africa, South Asia, Tamil Nadu, Latin

America and the Caribbean. This project has been developed for the requirements of my

‘Risk at Work’ course.

1.2 Objectives of study

To investigate about the dangers of Commercial fishing in America especially the

Alaskan Region.

To investigate about the dangers of commercial fishing in developing countries such

as East and West Africa, and South Asia (Tamil Nadu).

To identify the safety measures implemented by both the developed countries and

developing countries.

1.3 Justification of study

According to various Labor Surveys and Labor Right establishments from around the

world, there are millions of people who risk their lives at their jobs- daily. One such job is

that of fishermen and related jobs. This category tops the list of world’s most dangerous jobs.

Apart from being a job with a high fatality rate, the chance of being lost at sea aggravates the

risk to an all new level and makes professional fishing one of the most dangerous jobs in the

world.

This study will help us analyze the situation of fishermen is different countries with

different cultural and financial background.

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1.4 Identifying Information Types and Sources

Secondary data has been used to gather information for the purpose of this project.

Secondary data are statistical information not gathered for the immediate study at hand but

previously gathered for some other purposes. In this case, various articles from concerned

websites have been consulted and also a cable television show ‘Deadliest Catch’ on

Discovery Channel has been of great help to build up the project.

The following are the title of the websites and articles from the internet that has been used

in this project:

A safety guide for small offshore fishing boats

Challenges faced by developing countries and practical approaches to achieve

fish safety and quality to be able to compete in the liberalized global market

CDC. commercial fishing fatalities in Alaska risk factors and prevention

strategies. anchorage, ak: us department of health and human services, CDC,

national institute for occupational safety and health; 1997

Current intelligence bulletin 58 commercial fishing fatalities in Alaska

Commercial fishing accidents

Commercial fishing safety

Dangers of commercial fishing

Deadly, Deadlier, Deadliest

Fatal occupational injuries in the U.S. commercial fishing industry: risk factors

and recommendations Alaska region

ILO conference moves to improve safety, working conditions in fishing sector

NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health). 2006. traumatic

occupational injuries: commercial fishing in Alaska.

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Risks and dangers in small-scale fisheries: an overview, Menakhem Ben-Yami

Safety at sea as an integral part of fisheries management

Top 10 most dangerous jobs

US department of labor, bureau of labor statistics. Injuries, illnesses, and

fatalities: Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI)-current and revised

data. Washington, dc: US department of labor, bureau of labor statistics; 2010

Work in fishing convention no. 188 and recommendation no. 199

Why Alaskan fishing was named the most dangerous job in the world?

1.5 Project Structure

Introduction

This part has been written to give a brief introduction about the purpose and objectives of

study. It contains the importance and justification of this research. And we can get an idea

about the project structure.

Section A

Section A of the project deals with subjects that concern international bodies in the case of

commercial fishing. The contribution of agencies such as the IMO, ILO, FAO and the UN in

the development of safety at sea measures have been highlighted in this section

Section B

Section B examines commercial fishing fatalities in a developed country such as the United

States. And it also gives an overview of commercial fishing in Alaska, one of the most

dangerous and harshest places in the world for fishing.

Section C

Section C encompasses fisheries in developing countries, such as East and West Africa,

South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. It also concentrates on the safety measures

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implemented by those countries. In this section, the difference in the safety measures for

fishermen and the approach adopted to increase safety of fishermen between developed and

developing countries are noticed.

Conclusion

It provides the concluding note of the project and also the recommendations to how to

increase safety of fishermen in the developing countries.

2.0 Section A: International Conventions and Guidelines for Safety at Sea

Improved safety at sea has for decades been of main concern to many institutions,

national authorities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and individuals, who believe

that a functional legal framework is the requirement for determined measures for improved

safety. The International Labor Organization (ILO), International Maritime Organization

(IMO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are the three expert organizations

of the United Nations system that contributed to fishermen's safety at sea.

2.1 ILO

ILO devises international labor standards in the form of Conventions and

Recommendations, setting minimum standards of fundamental labor rights. It as well

encourages the growth of independent employers' and workers' organizations and offers

training and advisory services to those groups. ILO has implemented seven instruments

particularly concerning fishermen: five conventions4 and two recommendations

5. These

conventions and recommendations concern issues such as; minimum age to enter the fisheries

industries, medical examination, articles of agreement, competency certificates,

accommodation, hours of work and vocational training.

4 Conventions are legal instruments similar to international treaties, specific to the field of labor law, which are

subject to ratification by Member States. Upon ratification, they create binding legal obligations. The

application of these obligations in the national legislation and practice is monitored and supervised through a

variety of procedures created by the ILO for this purpose.

5 Recommendations are not subject to ratification, but are meant to define non-obligatory norms, that is to say,

they serve to amplify the provisions of the conventions or to deal with questions which do not call for legal

obligations. Their aims are to serve as guidelines in the development of policy, legislation and practice in given

fields. They enjoy the authority of internationally accepted principles of social policy.

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2.2 IMO

IMO is the organization accountable for improving maritime safety and preventing

pollution from ships; the implementation of maritime legislation is still IMO's main

responsibility.

The results of IMO and ILO works tend to have little impact on the safety of artisanal

and small-scale fishermen. Most of the recommendations and conventions concern large

ships, mainly the merchant fleet on international voyages. Some conventions clearly let off

fishing vessels, and most do not apply to boats under 24m hence excluding the majority of

fishing vessels and transport boats in the developing countries.

2.3 FAO

The role of FAO is to increase levels of nutrition by increasing productivity and

distribution of food, and to raise the standards of living and improve the conditions of rural

populations. Till now, the FAO has put into action hundreds of fisheries projects in the field

directly related to the establishment of fisheries training institutions, enhancing the quality of

design, building and equipment of fishing vessels, and in particular, working directly with

fishing communities.

In 1995, FAO completed the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, which

covered the key features of the various international conventions and legislation concerning

fisheries and associated environmental issues. The Code also provides a broad set of

voluntary guidelines for responsible fisheries. Every two years, FAO supervises the

performance of the Code among its member states.

According to the FAO fisheries circular No.966, there are three 3 lines of defense that

ensure successful approaches to safety at sea everywhere in the world and at all stages:

I. Prevention (the most dependable and lucrative element): Appropriate equipment,

training, know-how, information and judgment to keep away from trouble in the first

place.

II. Survival and self-rescue: The equipment, training and attitudes required surviving and

effect self-rescue when things start to go wrong.

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III. Search and Rescue (SAR) (the most expensive and least trustworthy of the three

levels): Systems of alert, search, and rescue which are called upon when the first two

lines of defense have failed.

2.4 UN Law of the Sea Convention

The United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea which was completed in 1982

came into force in May 2000 after having been ratified by 133 states. It is internationally

known as the system dealing with all issues concerning the law of the sea and gives nations

rights as well as responsibilities to exploit their living marine resources in a coherent and

sustainable manner. As regards to safety, the 1982 UN Convention puts forward that every

State shall efficiently put into effect its authority and control in administrative, technical and

social matters over ships flying its flag. In addition, the flag nation shall take such actions for

ships flying its flag as are necessary to guarantee safety at sea with regard to:

(i) the building, equipment and seaworthiness of ships;

(ii) the recruitment of labor for working on ships, labor conditions and the

training of crews, with regards to the applicable international instruments;

(iii) the use of signals, the maintenance of communications and the prevention

of collisions.

3.0 Section B: Commercial Fishing Fatalities in the United States (Developed Country)

According to NIOSH report, among the 504 commercial fishermen who died; 261 (52%)

occurred after a vessel disaster, 155 (31%) fatalities occurred when a worker fell overboard,

another 51 (10%) fatalities was caused by an injury onboard, and the remaining 37 (7%)

fatalities was due to diving or onshore injuries. The data are illustrated in the pie chart below

(Figure 1.0).

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Figure 1.0 Commercial Fishing fatalities from year 2000 to 2009

Figure 1.2 US Commercial Fishing Fatalities by Year and Incident Type 2000-2009 (N=504)

(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Morbidity & Mortality Weekly

Report. 2010, Commercial Fishing Deaths — United States, 2000–2009)

Also from the NIOSH review, the following data were recorded; out of the 261

fishing fatalities that occurred due to vessels disaster; 37 (28%) were caused by flooding,

24(18%) were initiated by vessel instability, 23 (18%) were due to the vessel being struck by

big waves, and 148 (61%) of the vessels disasters were caused by severe weather conditions.

The remaining percentage of vessels disasters (11%) occurred due to unknown reasons. The

data are illustrated in figure 1.3 below.

52%

31%

10%7%

COMMERCIAL FISHING FATALITIES (2000-2009)

Vessel Disaster, % Fell Overboard, %

Injury Onboard, % Diving or Onshore Injuries, %

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Figure 1.3 shows the causes for vessels disasters fatalities

The report also shows the percentage of known causes for the 155 fatalities that were

caused due to worker falling overboard. 43 (33%) were caused by trips or slips, 34 (26%)

were due to lose of balance, and 21 (16%) fatalities were due to gear entanglement. It must be

noted that none of the fishermen who fell overboard were wearing a personal flotation device

(PFD). The data are illustrated in the bar chart that follows (Figure 1.4).

Figure 1.4 shows the causes for falling overboard fatalities

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Flooding, % Vessel Instability, %

Big waves, % Severe weather

conditions, %

Unknown Reasons, %

CAUSES OF VESSELS DISASTERS

33

26

16

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Trips or Slips, % Losing Balance, % Gear Entanglement,%

Causes for falling overboard fatalities

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3.1 NIOSH Recommendations to Fishermen6

3.1 (a) NIOSH recommends that all fishermen should:

Take a marine safety class at least once every 5 years

Find a comfortable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and wear it on deck at all times

Do monthly drills including abandon ship, flooding, fire, and man overboard

Heed weather forecasts and avoid fishing in severe sea conditions

Maintain watertight integrity by inspecting and monitoring the hull of the vessel,

ensuring that watertight doors and hatches are sealed, and inspecting and testing high

water alarms regularly

Utilize a man overboard alarm system

Test immersion suits for leaks if operating in cold water

3.1(b) NIOSH recommends that all vessel owners/operators should:

Create a Personal Floating Device (PFD) policy for the crew while working on deck

Conduct monthly drills including abandon ship, flooding, fire, and man overboard

Install a man overboard alarm system, and man overboard retrieval devices

Install emergency stop (e-stop) devices on hydraulic deck machinery to prevent

entanglement injuries

Ensure all crew members have completed marine safety training in the past 5 years

3.2 Commercial Fishing in Alaska

Alaskan fisheries provide almost 95% of the United States salmon supply and

approximately half of the private sector employment in Alaska is in its fishing industry7. Yet

6 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Report November 2010

7 Alaska Department of Fish and Game

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with its extremely cold weather and waters, isolated fishing grounds, seasonal darkness, high

winds Alaska's commercial fishermen work in one of the world's harshest environments and

experience conditions that have a strong impact on their safety. 128 per 100,000 Alaskan

fishermen perished on the job in 2007, 26 times the national average. Fishing deaths also

make up about a third of all occupational fatalities in Alaska each year.8 From the year 2000

to 2009, the number of fishermen death in the Alaskan waters was 133. On average for the

decade, 13 fishermen were killed per year.

50% of the death caused by vessel disasters; 31% were due to fall overboard, falling

overboard immediately puts someone at risk of death, especially in the cold Alaskan waters;

9% from onboard injuries; 7% was the result of onshore injuries and the remaining 3% was

due to diving9. In this case also the fishermen who fell overboard were not wearing a personal

flotation device (PFD). The data are represented in the chart below (Figure 1.5).

Figure 1.5 shows Alaska Commercial Fishing Fatalities

8 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

9 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Report November 2010

50%

31%

9%

7%3%

Alaska Commercial Fishing Fatalities

Vessel Disaster, % Fall Overboard, % Onboard Injuries, %

Onshore Injuries, % Diving, %

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While the 2007 Alaskan commercial fishing fatality rate may sound incredibly high, it

actually represents a 51 percent drop since 199010

, to a certain extent due to the heightened

safety measures. Because of the climbing commercial fishing fatality rate, the U.S. Congress

passed the Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act in 1988. The bill requires

commercial fishing boats to carry survival equipment on board, putting the power of

enforcement into the hands of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard has created customized

prevention programs for particular fisheries in Alaska that lessen hazards found in high risk

fisheries. Due to these efforts, the fatality rate in the crab fisheries was reduced by 60%

during 1990-2009. This development was caused by the implementation of a preseason

dockside enforcement effort developed by the Coast Guard together with vessel workers.

Another Coast Guard program called the Alternate Compliance Safety Agreement (ACSA)

focused on the Bering Sea Aleutian Island trawl fleet that fish for cod and sole. ACSA make

vessel inspections compulsory to improve hull and material condition of the vessel,

reorganized vessel stability regulation, extra lifesaving and fire fighting means, and

demonstration of emergency exercises by the crew.

Even though many states have implemented legislation regarding safety at sea, there

is actually no international convention applicable that deals particularly with the safety of

fishing vessels, mainly because the vast differences in design and operation between fishing

vessels and other types of ships which have always proved a main problem to their inclusion.

Also, there is reluctance on behalf of some the fishing industry to be subjected to a

comprehensive regulatory programme. Fisheries have a long tradition of independence; many

consider fisheries as the last border of free activity and show antipathy towards government

contribution, which may be perceived by the industry as being poorly informed of the risks

and nature of fishing processes, or of the slim profit margins which might be worn by the

mandatory fulfillment with regulations on training, vessel building and equipment.

However, many countries in Europe, as well as in the US, Canada, Australia and New

Zealand have made safety training obligatory for all fishermen entering the profession, with

some also including experienced fishermen. The key features of the training consist of: first

aid, survival at sea, fire-fighting/smoke diving, and safety on board; hull, machinery and

10

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

14

electrical equipment; and stability. In the US and Canada, the training often contains radio

and navigation equipment. The courses differ in length generally from 20 to about 40 hours.

Any mandatory programme is likely to be opposed and probably to not succeed,

unless it has the support and participation of fishermen. Training is offered in a practical

setting involving the fishermen in "hands-on" participation with active opinion. Therefore the

training is either provided on board specially equipped training vessels or in training centers

in the fishing communities. The need to build up trust between trainees and trainers is

acknowledged and veteran fishermen are chosen as trainers where possible.

4.0 Section C: Fisheries in Developing Countries - East and West Africa, South Asia,

Latin America and the Caribbean

Developing countries contribute over 50% of the world fish trade. About 58% of fish

consumed in the EU come from non-EU waters, mainly from developing countries11

.

However, in many developing countries, the fisheries are low budget. Small-scale fishing

fleets, generally in developing countries, consist of a large variety of fishing craft, either of

traditional designs and often well-adapted to local conditions, or of imported designs. They

are too often constructed with no regard to modern rules of construction that ensure good

stability and seaworthiness under particular operating situations. With the nearly general

absence of mandatory standards and inspections, many poorly trained boat builders have

produced unsafe and if not inefficient boats, due to lack of knowledge, financial constraints,

and lack of proper materials.

The rate of loss of life and other casualties is still higher where artisanal and other

small-scale fishermen fish in conditions for which their vessels, and their safety and

communication, first aid, search and rescue (SAR) and early warning equipment, are less than

adequate. There are also not enough technically trained personnel to serve as crew members,

trainers or inspectors. In Guinea, a small country with some 7,000 artisanal, marine

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Challenges faced by developing countries and practical approaches to achieve fish safety and quality to be

able to compete in the liberalized global market

14

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

fishermen, a survey disclosed that in a year every 15th canoe has an accident and for every

200 registered fishermen one person dies in a canoe accident12

.

For example, in West Africa from September 2007 to December 2009, there were 431

accidents in the subregion, 364 fatalities and 143 fishermen missing as shown in Figure 1.6

below. The number of fishermen dying at sea in developing countries is reportedly very high

- about 10 times higher than that in developed countries13

.

Number of accidents by month 2007-2009

2009

2008

2007

Figure 1.6 shows the number of accidents by month in West Africa, 2007–2009

(Source: FAO report September 2010)

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Risks and dangers in small-scale fisheries: An overview, Menakhem Ben-Yami

13

Around 35 million people are employed in the fishing industry worldwide, 83 per cent of them from Asia

Pacific. Asia also accounts for 3.1 million, more than 75 per cent, of the world’s fishing fleet, estimated at 4.1

million vessels.

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

15

The number of accidents depends on the period of the year. There are fewer accidents in

April-June, most likely due to less fishing activities, since it is the farming season in rural

areas and many fishermen are also farmers.

Another study was conducted in 2009 in the south of Asia in the state of Tamil Nadu by

the South Indian Federation of Fishermen Societies (SIFFS), which covers the period 2000–

2007. About 60 000 fishermen are working in Tamil Nadu with small-scale fisheries. During

the period, 1 210 accidents occurred in Tamil Nadu, of which 642 involved human casualties,

averaging about 150 accidents/year. About 200 small-scale fishermen lost their lives in Tamil

Nadu, an average 25 fatalities per year. This gives a fatality rate of 42 per 100 000

fishermen/year. Figure 1.7 shows marine accidents and fishing craft in Tamil Nadu from the

year 2000 to 2007.

Figure 1.7 shows the Marine accidents and fishing craft – Tamil Nadu – 2000–2007

Source:FAO Report September 2010

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The categories of capsize, engine failure, and surf crossing are the three major causes of

accidents, covering a total of 72 percent. Most likely, the result of an accident during surf

crossing is capsizing. Capsizing out at sea is often due to bad weather and lack of boat

stability. This study in Tamil Nadu may serve as a good background for setting up any kind

of safety for fishermen activity, at the government or village level.

Safety at sea is a very serious problem in the developing countries. Many of the common

important problems resulting in high loss of life can be solved at low cost; the challenge is to

educate the authorities in charge to the reality of these problems, and to transform

acknowledgment of the problems into helpful corrective accomplishment. Public safety

awareness promotions, programmes for education/training and improving the accessibility to

lifesaving supports, and the organization of SAR, need to be modified particularly for each

country. It is expected that many developing countries will ask for external advice in

developing the management of fisheries in their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). The

FAO has many years of experience in providing professional advice and support for fisheries

in the developing countries and developing a widespread network of local know-how. For

example;

The BOBP14

/FAO Regional Workshop on Sea Safety for Artisanal and Small-scale

Fishermen was held in Chennai, India from 8 to 12 October 2001. The Chennai Declaration,

which was adopted at the end of the workshop, recommended that fisheries and maritime

administrations increase their knowledge of the operations and constraints of the artisanal and

small-scale fisheries sectors in order to devise effective guidelines, standards and regulations

for the safety of fishing vessels, as well as the certification and training of crews. Since no

international rules or guidelines exist for fishing boats less than 12 m in length, advantage has

been taken of local experience and of the work done on the safety of small fishing boats in

European countries, the United States of America and Australia.

Safety at sea training should be implemented at all levels, from primary education up to

maritime and fisheries training institutes. There is also a need for training boat builders and

14

Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP) is a multiagency regional fisheries programme which covers seven

countries around the Bay of Bengal . Bangladesh; India; Indonesia; Malaysia; Maldives; Sri Lanka; and

Thailand.

17

for introducing the apprenticeship system for young boat builders; for example in South Asia;

awareness-raising campaigns have been arranged in selected fishing villages in the four

countries. A needs assessment survey was carried out to understand the level of knowledge

and training needs. The training and awareness raising were then tailored to the needs in the

fishing village. The training was conducted through local NGOs.

The identified training needs were:

Engine maintenance

Personal survival and life saving training

First Aid

The use of safety equipment

Some of the other developing countries are also implementing safety measures,

training and awareness programs, and they are also organizing search and rescue teams

(SAR) in order to reduce the fatalities rate in their fisheries industries.

4.1 Safety Measures in Developing Countries

Several studies and projects concerning safety at sea were undertaken in different

parts of the world: Latin America, Caribbean, West Africa, East Africa, South and Southeast

Asia.

Latin America and the Caribbean

The regional Study on safety at sea for small-scale fisheries in Latin America and the

Caribbean was carried out in 2006, covering Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru. It was

followed by The Regional Workshop on Safety at Sea in Artisanal and Small-scale Fisheries

in Latin America and the Caribbean in July 2007, involving all the Organización

Latinoamericana de Desarrollo Pesquero (OLDEPESCA) countries to discuss the issue of

safety for fishermen and to develop a regional strategy for safety at sea for artisanal and

small-scale fishing in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The small-scale fisheries sector in Latin America and the Caribbean, consisting of 600

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000 to 900 000 fishermen, involve fewer fishermen than in Asia and Africa. In some Latin

American countries, the fisheries are more developed than in Asia and Africa, and the fishing

fleets are often more mechanized.

The following conclusion was drawn from the discussions during the workshop that

followed the regional study:

Safety at sea is generally not integrated into fisheries management in any of the

countries in the region. It was noted, however, that it was included in various training

courses for fishermen.

A lack of coordination between different government authorities, mainly between

maritime and fisheries authorities, is a major problem in the region.

Several countries in the region have difficulties in differentiating artisanal from

industrial fisheries. Modern fisheries commonly use small, well equipped boats. There

should be clear definitions and criteria for artisanal and small-scale fisheries.

Most cooperation is needed between Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as

within the region. Cooperation could address training and awareness raising, accident

reporting, safety standards and guidelines.

A lack of safety measures is often the major cause of accidents at sea. Fishermen are

very often exposed to many risks in their working environment.

Fishermen are very often economically insolvent and often cannot afford safety

equipment, navigation and radio equipment. There is an interest in starting local

production of good quality safety equipment.

There is a need for guidelines and standards for construction and equipment of small

fishing vessels in the region. Vessel inspectors should be trained on supervising boat

construction and building.

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A Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) project focusing on the development of

standards for the construction and inspection of small fishing vessels in the Caribbean was

carried out in 2000-2001. The project was implemented in the eastern Caribbean States and

Barbados. This project focused on the fishing vessel, its construction, equipment and

registration, as well as the identified training components.

The following conclusion was drawn from the project:

There is a need for harmonized legislation in the region and a proposal for amending

legislation relating to shipping or maritime matters (such as the Shipping or Merchant

Shipping Act) or fisheries matters (the Fisheries Act). Draft harmonized regulations

on safety of fishing vessels were developed under the project.

There is a need for minimum acceptable safety standards for the construction and

equipment of fishing vessels under 24 m, which were developed following the

FAO/ILO/IMO guidelines as well as relevant internationally accepted standards for

small fishing vessels.

Although a system of fishing vessel inspection is in place in Barbados within the

fisheries sector, the other eastern Caribbean States were less fortunate and most had to

rely on the Coast Guard for such assistance. A system for vessel registration that

could be used in all countries was developed, incorporating standard inspection and

approval requirements, and the training needs of vessel inspectors and personnel

working with the register were recognized.

Training proposals with curricula were developed for boat builders and vessel

inspectors. The training of trainers approach was recommended, and established

training institutes identified, and the institute in Barbados supported the regional

approach. The apprenticeship scheme described above was incorporated into the

overall approach to training.

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Africa

In the past, several fisheries livelihoods projects were carried out in various parts of

Africa. The two recent activities in East Africa and West Africa are summarized below.

The Study on safety at sea for small-scale fisheries in the South West Indian Ocean was

carried out in East Africa in 2006. It covered the following regions: Comoros, Kenya,

Madagascar and the Seychelles.

The following recommendations were made:

Generate commitment and political will at the national level for improving safety for

fishermen and fishing vessels.

Improve the effectiveness of ongoing sea safety awareness programmes in all

countries in the region.

Identify a lead agency to deal with safety at sea for all small-scale fishermen. The

responsibility for safety for fishermen always lies between maritime and fisheries

authorities.

Develop, enact and implement appropriate legislation for small fishing vessels,

including fisheries management and safety regulations as mandatory requirements.

Develop a system for accidents at sea reporting. Also, create a database for collecting,

analyzing, and disseminating data on safety at sea.

Develop formal and informal training, including extension services directed at

fishermen, fishing communities and other concerned stakeholders.

Make obligatory the registering of fishing vessels with fishing authorizations and the

issuing of inspection certificates.

Consider including sea safety as an integral part of fisheries management and

development initiatives.

21

Give access to credit for spare parts and fishing gear, and consider the possible use of

subsidies linked to vessel certification.

The safety at sea situation in the project countries in West Africa are similar to the

situation in the countries in East Africa described above. The project activities in West

Africa could be summarized as follows:

A simple accident at sea reporting system has been developed and implemented.

A training package to improve safety for fishermen has been developed and trainers

have been trained in the project countries. Awareness raising has been implemented

by established organizations and NGOs in the project countries

National safety at sea coordinating committees have been established or re-

established. The committees have been implementing the national safety at sea plans

developed at a Regional Project Workshop 2007.

Asia

In 2005, the Regional safety for small fishing vessel study was conducted in Southeast

Asia. The study included the following four countries in the region: India, Maldives, Sri

Lanka and Thailand. The conclusions and recommendations from the study in Southeast Asia

are:

The FRP boat building skills are generally poor in the countries and need to be

improved. The boat building skills in Maldives are generally better.

Rules and guidelines for construction and equipment of vessels do not exist in all the

countries. However, Maldives has regulations on safety equipment onboard small

fishing vessels.

22

Fishing vessel registers are in place in all countries, but generally not up to date. It is

not clear if artisanal and small fishing vessels are included in the vessel register.

There are no accidents at sea reporting systems in place in any of the four countries.

Accidents are occasionally registered by the Coast Guard or the Navy if any SAR

activities have been carried out.

SAR systems are in place in all the countries, and are normally under the

responsibility of the Coast Guard or the Navy.

The activities within the safety at sea project in South Asia, focusing on Bangladesh,

India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, have already been reflected in the report and can be reviewed

as follows:

The development of a safety guide for small fishing boats is the first step towards

national safety standards for the construction and equipment of small fishing vessels.

Training and awareness raising of fishermen, their families, and related stakeholders

was carried out in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

Training of boat builders in good FRP boat building techniques has been carried out

in India and a new improved beach landing craft introduced to improve sea safety.

Analyzing the accidents at sea, and introducing an accidents at sea reporting systems

in all the project countries has been undertaken by Bay of Bengal Programme – Inter-

Governmental Organization (BoBP-IGO) and NIOSH as a special activity, which will

continue up to 2012.

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5.0 Conclusion

Although, many nations have adopted legislations concerning safety at sea, various

conventions and recommendations to protect fishermen have been implemented by

international organizations such as the IMO, ILO and FAO and the advancement in

technology; the level of fatalities in the fisheries industries in almost all countries is still very

high and still holds the record as the most dangerous occupation pursued by man. Further

safety interventions should be tailored according to the situation and problems faced by the

commercial fishermen in different countries just like it was done in Alaskan fisheries. The

programme implemented in Alaska has reduced the death rate of Alaskan fishermen

considerably.

Concerning the developing countries, the current situation of safety at sea for

fishermen has many similarities. The following summarizes the situation:

In most of those countries the integration between government authorities is very

poor. Therefore, there is a need for collaboration between government authorities and

the concerned bodies. Also there is a need for good commitment and will by both the

political bodies and the fishermen to ensure sustainability of safety activities.

More training and awareness programs must be implemented; the existing programs

must be upgraded and made more efficient.

There is a general demand by fishermen for cheap safety equipment that meets the

minimum acceptable safety standards for safety of life at sea. They could be

subsidized by governments and/or produced locally at a lower cost. This equipment

produced locally will also stimulate local business and alternative livelihoods.

There is a need for safety recommendations and guidelines for the construction and

equipment of small fishing vessels. Since in those developing countries, there are a

large number of small vessels, there is also a need to implement fishing vessel register

and inspection scheme.

Finally we can say that in order for the safety measures to be successful it should be

considered as an integral part of fisheries management in the developing countries.

24

There should be competent fisheries managers to make the connection between the

two.

By joining forces, both the developed and developing countries would be able to develop

measures and schemes to overcome the dangers faced by their fishermen at sea.

25

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