Guidelines for the seaworthiness and safety inspection of small fishing vessels

These guidelines for the seaworthiness and safety inspections of small fishing vessels have been developed to contribute to the prevention of accidents with small fishing vessels; reduce damage and loss in small-scale fisheries; and make commercial fishing a safer profession. The objectives of these guidelines are to facilitate the supply of insurance services for small fishing vessels worldwide, with an emphasis on small-scale fishers in developing countries; and provide practical guidance for conducting seaworthiness and safety inspections of decked fishing vessels of less than 12 metres in length and undecked fishing vessels.These guidelines complement the 2015 Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). The document provides practical guidance for conducting safety inspections of small fishing vessels, covering several hull materials, structural integrity checks, machinery, vessel stability and test procedures, safety equipment, reporting and documentation. It also helps fishing vessel owners to assess the safety and seaworthiness of their vessels themselves, thereby contributing to increased safety awareness and risk management within small-scale fisheries. The document discusses awareness raising and capacity-building actions to support implementation of these guidelines and provides tailored checklists for vessel inspections and for conducting practical stability tests.