Proceeding of the 1st Regional Workshop on Safety at Sea for Small Fishing Boats

Abstract

For the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC), Safety at Sea for Small Fishing Boats is only recently explored area in the wide range of their fisheries activities, however, having developed the Regional Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries, the safety of small boats at sea is a corollary to, and a logical development of responsible fishing practices. Until now no guidelines had been developed and no standards defined for safety equipment that should be carried on board. The following pages and papers reflect the serious consideration that is being given to this subject in the region and the workshop recommendations show a logical sequence of activities that should be implemented to achieve the safety of life at sea for small scale fishers. The development of standards for boat design, loading and equipment to be carried are vital. SEAFDEC, as an organization, has a mandate to recommend, but no mandate to command, thus the recommendation made by the participants of this workshop are submitted to the regional executive authority that is vested in ASEAN for ratification and for endorsement, this has been done and endorsement secured.