Fishing Vessel Safety Procedures Stats and Facts
FACTS
Potential dangers associated with fishing vessel procedures include:
- Fishing vessels operate in open waters and are susceptible to adverse weather conditions such as storms, high winds, rough seas, and fog.
- Fishing vessels rely on equipment and machinery, like winches, nets, cranes, and hydraulic systems.
- Fishing procedures involve handling heavy gear, such as nets, lines, and hooks, which can pose risks of entanglement, falls, or being struck by moving equipment.
- Despite safety procedures and training, man overboard incidents can occur, especially in challenging weather conditions or during the handling of fishing gear.
- Fishing vessels carry fuel, and flammable materials which increase the risk of fires or explosions.
- Fishing vessels need to navigate through potentially congested waters, where other vessels may be present. Collisions, grounding, or accidents can occur, even with safety procedures in place.
- Fishing vessels often operate in remote or offshore areas where access to immediate medical assistance or emergency services may be limited.
- Fatigue can affect crew members’ alertness and reaction times which increase the risk of accidents.
- Communication breakdowns, complacency, or lack of awareness can undermine safety protocols, potentially leading to incidents or accidents.
STATS
- The majority of shipping accidents involved fishing vessels (25%), followed by solid cargo vessels (21%) (data not shown). In 2021, there were 43 accidents aboard ship, unchanged from 43 in 2020.
- Every year, 10% of fishermen in general, and 15% of fishermen on trawlers are subject to injuries.
- In an average year some 1500 accidents are reported from merchant and fishing vessels, ranging from minor bumps and scrapes to vessels and lives being lost.
- 878 commercial fishermen died from a traumatic injury while fishing in the U.S., averaging over 43 deaths per year.
- 75 fishing vessels were involved in shipping accidents, up from 59 in 2019.
- 63 fishing fatalities—an average of 9 fatalities per year—resulting from 47 fishing vessel accidents.
- 125 injuries, over 80% of the injuries occurred on vessels fishing for salmon.