FACTS

Potential dangers associated with fishing vessel procedures include:

1. Fishing vessels operate in open waters and are susceptible to adverse weather conditions such as storms, high winds, rough seas, and fog.
2. Fishing vessels rely on equipment and machinery, like winches, nets, cranes, and hydraulic systems.
3. 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.
4. Despite safety procedures and training, man overboard incidents can occur, especially in challenging weather conditions or during the handling of fishing gear.
5. Fishing vessels carry fuel, and flammable materials which increase the risk of fires or explosions.
6. 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.
7. Fishing vessels often operate in remote or offshore areas where access to immediate medical assistance or emergency services may be limited.
8. Fatigue can affect crew members’ alertness and reaction times which increase the risk of accidents.
9. 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.