The above recommendations to improve sea safety in small fishing vessels were developed during the first three days of the consultation. Part 2 (days 4 and 5) of the consultation focused on implementation of the recommendations.
The group commenced Part 2 by going through the list of recommendations and, for each one, listing the considerations relating to implementation. These considerations were subsequently grouped under each recommendation into the categories of: (1) how to do it, (2) who should do it, and (3) what resources would be needed. The result was a non-exhaustive list of important factors for countries to consider when implementing the recommendations of the consultation. These are given in Appendix E.
The plenary discussions on implementing the recommendations were wide-ranging. Some of the points made were specific to one recommendation and these have been incorporated into the list given in Appendix E. Other comments were applicable to more than one recommendation and some general consensus became apparent from the discussion. These important points include:
Two items were mentioned repeatedly in conjunction with implementing several recommendations: a national sea safety strategy and good information on vessels/accidents. This carries some suggestion that these are fundamental in national sea safety improvement.
Ultimately, sea safety is a national responsibility and many efforts to improve safety need to be continuous. Such efforts must be formulated so that local resources, whether government, NGO or private sector, continue to be available after the completion of any initial regional or international assistance.
Effective consultation, particularly with fishers and communities, is vitally important for the success of many of the initiatives cited in the recommendations. The effort and resources required for such consultation can, however, be very large.
Improving sea safety is a relatively new undertaking for many Pacific Island countries. Progress could probably be accelerated by learning from national initiatives in other sectors, such as road safety and AIDS awareness.
The private sector, including boatbuilders, outboard engine distributors, and fuel companies, could have a large role to play in efforts to improve national sea safety. This could include promotion of training, membership on coordinating committees, provision of funding, and assisting in awareness campaigns.
It is inevitable that some efforts to improve safety will be more effective than others. To make optimum use of scarce safety resources, the various efforts should be evaluated periodically to determine effectiveness and any need to redirect resources.
