In early 2003, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) undertook a survey on fisheries-related sea safety in the Pacific Islands region. The objective of that work was to consolidate the experience gained by selected countries in safety at sea with a view to improving ongoing and future activities in the region. A major conclusion of the survey was that the majority of loss of life in the Pacific Islands region is associated with small fishing boats which have received the least attention in terms of legislation, construction standards, enforcement strategies, regional discussions, training on proper use, and other schemes to improve safety. The report of the survey indicated that many of these issues have facets that involve law, naval architecture, search, rescue, community awareness, maritime administration, fisheries and other fields. FAO and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) agreed that a meeting attended by motivated people having expertise in these disciplines could have a very positive effect on regional and national sea safety programmes. The FAO/SPC Regional Expert Consultation on Sea Safety in Small Fishing Vessels held in Suva, Fiji, from 9 to 13 February 2004 was intended to produce this outcome.
Distribution:
Participants at the meeting
Secretariat of the Pacific Community
FIGIS Mailing List
FAO Fisheries Department
FAO Regional Fishery Officers
