Disaster Management in Fisheries

8.1.14 Standard-setting organization/agency

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the United Nations standard-setting organization for all vessels. Fishing vessels under 24 in length are not fully covered by IMO regulations. However FAO, ILO and IMO have together developed several voluntary instruments regarding the safety of fishermen and fishing vessels, such as the Voluntary guidelines for the design, construction and equipment of small fishing vessels, which apply to new decked fishing vessels of 12 m in length and over, but less than 24 m in length, and the draft Safety recommendations for decked fishing vessels of less than 12 m in length and undecked fishing vessels. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is another global organization that has developed standards for boat design and building. The FAO, ILO and IMO publications will guide countries in setting up national regulations and policies for design, construction and equipment of small fishing vessels of less than 24 m in length. The Safety guide for small fishing vessels will also be a good guide to consult when designing national standards for the design, construction and equipment of small fishing vessels.