Fisheries is #1 in most lists of deadly occupations. While fatality rates in many industries and sectors are being reduced due to stringent safety measures, this does not appear to be the case in most fisheries. Action is needed by all stakeholders to address safety at sea and occupational health in fisheries.

Under IMO MARPOL and SOLAS agreements, a framework for accidents and casualty reporting has been established for merchant fleets, however fishing vessels are not included in these formal reporting systems. The FAO aims to support fisheries sector stakeholders, FAO member countries, relevant partners and NGOs to fill this gap in reporting and to address critical safety aspects in fishing operations. It is essential to establish a “learning” system that will continuously update the key stakeholders in government administrations and the private sector on safety issues.

It is globally acknowledged that the compilation and analysis of fishing-related accident data can be a valuable tool for creating a greater awareness and political will within government administrations to address fishing safety issues. Without reliable data and information, sea safety shortcomings cannot be identified with clarity and fishing safety strategies cannot be implemented effectively.

Reliable fishing accident data can assist countries in identifying:

• the costs associated with fishing accidents and whether resources committed to fishing safety are being used effectively and efficiently;
• whether fishing safety problems depend on the competency of fishing vessel personnel, fishing area, weather and sea conditions, vessel configuration, and type of fishing gear or fishing operation; and
• the importance of any particular cause or type of fishing accident.

This information is vital for the formulation of effective legislation and development of fishing safety enforcement strategies.

While most developed countries have a formal fishing accident reporting system, often integrated in maritime accident reporting systems, e.g. the European Maritime Safety agency and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), this is not the case in a majority of developing countries. 

Formal reporting systems are based on national level regulations. Reporting is done directly to the relevant government Authority (e.g. Fisheries, Maritime authority, Coastguard). When an accident has occurred, the vessel captain or owner must report the event to the relevant Authorities as soon as possible. Most Authorities have a paper-based reporting platform but digital/online reporting is gaining ground rapidly.

Voluntary confidential near-miss, incident and/or accident reporting systems have been in place in many industries for some time as well, including in the aviation and maritime sectors. In some countries, these voluntary systems co-exist with the formal reporting systems and are operated by an (independent) organisation, by fishers themselves, voluntary staff, or dedicated representatives from the local fishing communities.

Examples of confidential voluntary reporting programs, which focus on fisheries near-misses or incidents or on fishing accidents, include the following:

• The Nautical Institute’s MARS Program;
• CHIRP (Confidential Hazardous Incident Reporting Program);
• FISHER (Fishing Industry Safety & Health Event Reporting).

Both formal and voluntary confidential reporting systems are ultimately aimed at recording and analysing fishing incidents and accidents and related health and safety information. They make the key information and lessons learnt available for the development and promotion of health and safety measures for reducing accidents and fatalities in the fishing sector.