Fishing is one of the world's most dangerous industries, and the
International Maritime Organization's Cape Town Agreement (2012)
aims to improve the safety of fishers on an international
scale.
The agreement sets out mandatory minimum safety standards for
fishing vessels, more than 24m in length, and their crew, as well
as the combatting of illegal, unregulated and unreported
fishing.
Coming into force next year, the Cape Town Agreement is expected
to boost safety standards for tens of thousands of vessels
world-wide, covering areas like survey and inspection, protection
of crew, emergency procedures and construction.
The UK is already compliant with the standards of the Cape Town
Agreement, implemented through the Fishing Vessel (Codes of
Practice) Regulations 2017, but publicly supports the Agreement
and application of these standards across the
globe.
As part of this Government support, the Maritime and Coastguard
Agency has been working on the UK's accession to the Cape Town
Agreement since 2019, committed to assist bringing the Agreement
into force internationally.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister said:
The safety of our hardworking fishers doesn't stop at our shores.
That's why we're backing the Cape Town Agreement to ensure
fishers are protected wherever they sail.
We're committed to improving safety standards and are working in
partnership with industry. This agreement is a significant step
forward – raising the bar and creating shared requirements to
drive improvements worldwide.
Fisheries Minister Dame said:
We're committed to creating a more secure, sustainable, and
economically successful future for our great British fishing
industry, whose grit and determination bring the best seafood to
dining tables across the globe.
By supporting the Cape Town Agreement, we're helping to ensure
the safety of fishers and their vessels in the UK and around the
world, along with combatting illegal, unreported and unregulated
fishing, something which we are proud to do.
MCA Fishing Vessel Safety Team Leader David Fenner
said:
Fishing is an essential but dangerous sector, and we want fishers
and their vessels to be safe and protected both in the UK and
worldwide.
Supporting the Cape Town Agreement is a huge step forward in
ensuring all fishermen are protected by minimum safety standards,
highlighting the UK's ongoing commitment to safe, legal and
sustainable shipping.
For more information about the Cape Town Agreement visit the
International Maritime Organization website.
