imo and the safety of fishing vessels: past, present and future

includes, inter alia, requirements covering equipment to be carried, how frequently it must be inspected and
the frequency and nature of emergency drills. Annex IV, Minimum safety and health requirements concerning
personal protective equipment, requires workers to be provided with personal protective equipment and for it
to be brightly coloured and to contrast with the marine environment.
Another piece of legislation from the EU is the one regarding:
Council Directive 92/29/EEC of 31 March 1992 on the minimum safety and health requirements
for improved medical treatment on board vessels
This Directive applies to seagoing or estuary fishing vessels, and covers all workers on board a
vessel. Its requirements relate to: medicines and medical equipment; antidotes; allocation of responsibilities;
information and training; medical consultations by radio; inspection (of medical supplies and equipment); and
the means (a committee) for updating the Directive to take into account technical progress or changes in
international regulations or specifications and new findings in the field. It came into force on 31 December
1994, and EU Member States are to report to the Commission every five years (first report 31 December
1999) on its implementation, giving the views of the two sides of industry.
The Directive distinguishes between three categories of vessels: (a) seagoing or sea-fishing vessels
with no limitation on lengths of trips; (b) seagoing or sea-fishing vessels making trips of less than 150 nautical
miles from the nearest port with adequate medical equipment; and (c) harbour vessels, boats and craft staying
very close to shore or with no cabin accommodation other than a wheelhouse. Category (b) shall be extended
to seagoing or sea-fishing vessels which make trips of less than 175 nautical miles from the nearest port with
adequate medical equipment and which remain continuously within range of helicopter rescue services. A long
and non-exhaustive list of medical supplies, medical equipment and antidotes is annexed to the Directive.
Account is also to be taken of dangerous substances carried on board. A "General framework for the
inspection of vessels' medical supplies" is provided for each of the three categories of vessels. There are also
special training requirements for captains and designated workers.
5.3.- Other regions in the world
In August 2000 a regional agreement on the requirements for fishing vessels between 24 metres and
45 metres in length was also approved at a regional meeting at la Habana by the Latinamerican and
Caribbean region maritime Authorities and is fully operative. More recently in the African region and in the
context of port State control relating to smaller vessels, consideration is being given to a similar regional
regime. However, the Organization has not yet received any communication on regional agreement other than
the above referred.
6.- International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing
Vessel Personnel, 1995 (STCW-F Convention)
The STCW-F Convention was adopted in 1995 by an IMO Conference which included 74
representatives from governments, the ILO, the FAO, other United Nations system specialized agencies and
several other inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations. The Conference also adopted several
resolutions relevant to training.
The Convention includes articles covering general obligations; definitions; application; communication
of information; other treaties and interpretation; certification; national provisions; control (including port state
control); and promotion of technical cooperation. Requirements concern skippers and watchkeepers on
vessels of 24 metres in length and over, chief engineers and engineering officers on vessels of 750 kW
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