Fishing: Social protection

Safety and health

ILO’s strategic objective: Enhance the coverage and effectiveness of social protection for all

Safety and health of fishers

Fishing is a hazardous occupation compared to other occupations.  The fatality and injury rates in this sector are, in many countries, the highest for any group of workers. 

In 1999, the ILO held a Tripartite Meeting on Safety and Health in the Fishing Industry.

ILO fishing standards concerning safety and health of fishers

The Work in Fishing Convention, 2007 (No. 188) and the Work in Fishing Recommendation, 2007 (No. 199) contain specific provisions concerned with safety and health of fishers.

In the Convention, see in particular:  Article 8 (Responsibilities of fishing vessel owners, skippers and fishers), Articles 10 to 12 (Medical examination); Articles 13 and 14 (Manning and hours of rest); Articles 29 and 30 (Medical care); Articles 31 to 33 (Occupational safety and health and accident prevention).  

In the Recommendation, see in particular Part IV, which addresses such issues as medical care on board, occupational safety & health, occupational safety & health management systems, risk evaluation and technical specifications.

Joint FAO/ILO/IMO publications

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.  More information on these publications »

Additional resources

• ILO's Programme on Safety and Health at Work and the Environment (SafeWork).