Code of practice on occupational safety and health in aquaculture
In accordance with established procedures, the Code of practice will be submitted to the 358th Session (November 2026) of the Governing Body of the ILO for its consideration.
The objective of this code is to provide practical guidance for the use by all those, both in the public and private sectors, who have obligations, responsibilities, duties and rights regarding safety and health in aquaculture.
This code is not a legally binding instrument, and its provisions are not intended to replace applicable national laws, regulations or other nationally or internationally recognized instruments. In the absence of national laws and regulations on a particular OSH issue, or where these are not up to date, guidance should be drawn from this code, as well as from relevant nationally and internationally recognized instruments. The provisions of this code should be read in the context of national conditions and technical possibilities, and the scale of operations involved.
The code is structured in two parts.
Part I covers general provisions related to aquaculture. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the code’s objectives, application and scope, followed by Chapter 2 on the proposed duties, rights and responsibilities of the sectoral actors. Chapters 3 to 9 provide guidance on OSH management systems and organization; reporting, recording and notification of work-related injuries and diseases; competence, information, instruction and training; personal protective equipment (PPE); welfare; and labour protection.
Part II provides technical guidelines for safety and health at the aquaculture worksite, divided into chapters on general provisions; safety requirements for tools, machines and equipment; diving safety; fish mass mortality events response; aquaculture installations; transport of persons, equipment and materials; weather and environment; ergonomics and the handling of materials; chemicals; biological and related hazards; and noise and vibration.
