Fishing: Social protection

Joint FAO/ILO/IMO publications relevant to safety and health of fishers

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), ILO and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) have jointly developed four publications specifically aimed at improving safety of fishing vessels and safety & health of fishers.  These publications are published by the International Maritime Organization.  Information on obtaining these publications is available on the IMO website .

FAO/ILO/IMO Document for Guidance on Training and Certification of Fishing Vessel Personnel, 2001

This publication takes account of the conventions and recommendations adopted by ILO and IMO (prior to 2000) and the wide practical experience of FAO in the field of fishermen’s training and covered training and certification of small-scale and industrial fishermen.

FAO/ILO/IMO Code of Safety for Fishermen and Fishing Vessels 2005: Part A, Safety and Health Practice

This part of the Code provides information with a view to promoting the safety and health of crew members on  board fishing vessels.

FAO/ILO/IMO Code of Safety for Fishermen and Fishing Vessels, 2005: Part B, Safety and Health Requirements for the Construction and Equipment of Fishing Vessels

This part of the Code provides information on the design, construction and equipment of fishing vessels with a view to promoting the safety and health of the crew.   The Code is voluntary and generally addresses vessels 24 metres in length and above.

FAO/ILO/IMO Voluntary Guidelines for the Design, Construction and Equipment of Small Fishing Vessels, 2005

The Guidelines provide information on the design, construction and equipment of small fishing vessels with a view to promoting the safety and health of the crew.  Unless otherwise noted, the provisions are intended to apply to new decked fishing vessels of 12 metres in length and over, but less than 24 metres in length.

Under preparation: Safety recommendations for decked fishing vessels of  less than 12 metres in length and undecked fishing vessels

The ILO is working with the FAO and IMO on the development of safety recommendations for decked fishing vessels of less than 12 metres in length and undecked fishing vessels. An ILO delegation participated in the 50th Session of the IMO Subcommittee on Stability and Load Lines and on Fishing Vessels' Safety (SLF 50), which, inter alia, considered draft safety recommendations. Visit the website for the Intersessional Correspondence Group on the Safety of Small Fishing Vessels (FVS ISCG - www.sigling.is/pages/791). 

See also GB.300/STM/4: Update on the ILO’s participation in the development by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of safety recommendations for small fishing vessels - (pdf 45 KB).

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