Safety at Sea

Safety at sea is about people's lives. Not only the lives of the fishermen but also the lives of their dependents.
Fishing is recognized as one, if not the most, dangerous occupation in the world. It has been estimated that every year at least 24,000 fishermen lose their lives, the large majority of those on board small fishing vessels. The safety of fishing vessels and fishers involves several interrelated components, such as the design, construction and equipment of vessels. However, social and economic pressures as well as overcapacity and overfishing of coastal resources are probably the major factors that have negated efforts to improve safety at sea.
In this interview, Ari Gudmundsson, Fishery Industry Officer (Vessels), Fishing Operations and Technology Branch (FIRO) of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), explains what FAO is doing to improve safety at sea and the importance of international cooperation to achieve this globally.