This technical paper constitutes an update on the 1985 FAO publication Definition and classification of fishery vessel types, and provides descriptions and classification of the main semi-industrial and industrial fishing vessel types: trawlers, purse seiners, seiners, dredgers, gillnetters, trap setters, longliners, pole-and-line vessels, trollers, multipurpose vessels. It also features vessels supporting fishing-related activities such as fish carriers, motherships, fisheries research vessels and vessels involved in aquaculture operations. Illustrations of most vessel types and drawings of the general arrangements of selected vessels are provided.