The 2012 Cape Town Agreement, adopted by the International Maritime Organization, outlines construction and equipment standards for fishing vessels 24 meters or longer.
The ten chapters of the agreement (outlined in the video) detail specific regulations that countries that are party to the agreement must adopt to protect fishing crews and observers.
The agreement sets minimum safety standards in all areas of working and living conditions onboard vessels including communications and safety equipment, as well as the necessary design rules serving to protect fishers on-board. The agreement will enter into force once 22 States, with an aggregate fleet of 3,600 eligible fishing vessels, become parties to it.
