A Landmark for Global Fishing Safety

FISH Platform, the global network of experts dedicated to improving the safety, health and welfare of fishers, warmly welcomes the International Maritime Organization’s announcement that the 2012 Cape Town Agreement (CTA) will enter into force in 2027.

Argentina’s accession to the agreement brings the number of participating Member States to 28, representing 3,754 fishing vessels of 24 metres or more in length. This milestone triggers the treaty’s entry into force within 12 months.

A Major Milestone for Fishing Vessel Safety

This announcement marks the culmination of decades of international effort to strengthen safety standards in the fishing industry.

The Cape Town Agreement builds on earlier safety instruments developed under the Torremolinos Convention, dating back to the 1970s and 1990s, which aimed to establish a binding global framework for fishing vessel safety.

With the CTA entering into force, a long-standing regulatory gap in maritime safety will finally be addressed.

Recognising Both Scale and Impact

Although the agreement applies primarily to fishing vessels 24 metres and above, this segment includes thousands of large commercial fishing vessels operating worldwide.

These vessels play a critical role in:

• global seafood supply chains
• coastal and national economies
• sustaining fishing communities

By introducing mandatory international safety standards, the agreement will strengthen protections for crews operating in some of the most hazardous working conditions at sea.

What the Cape Town Agreement Will Improve

The CTA introduces minimum international requirements covering key areas of vessel safety, including:

• vessel design
• vessel construction
• onboard equipment
• stability standards
• life-saving appliances
• improved regulatory oversight by flag, port and coastal states

Together, these measures will help:

• reduce fishing vessel accidents and casualties
• improve welfare and safety for fishers
• support efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing

FISH Platform’s Role in the Global Conversation

FISH Platform has long advocated for stronger international safety standards in fishing.

Through its work, the organisation has provided a global forum for dialogue between:

• fishery safety specialists
• policymakers
• maritime authorities

This collaboration has helped maintain international momentum toward ratification of the agreement and ensured fisher safety remains a priority in global maritime discussions.

Recognising International Collaboration

FISH Platform acknowledges the leadership of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the contributions of its partners, including:

• the International Labour Organization (ILO)
• the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
• member states
• industry stakeholders
• civil society organisations

Their sustained collaboration has been instrumental in bringing the Cape Town Agreement to this historic moment.

Statement from the Chair

Cor Blonk, Chair of the FISH Platform, said:

“Today’s announcement that the Cape Town Agreement will enter into force in 2027 represents a landmark achievement for fishers worldwide.

It reflects years of tireless advocacy, technical cooperation and shared resolve among our global community to ensure that the safety of those who harvest the world’s seafood is protected by international law.

While this treaty directly applies to larger vessels, it sets a stronger safety benchmark that we hope will inspire continued action across all segments of the fishing fleet.

FISH Platform remains committed to supporting implementation, capacity building and inclusive dialogue so that the spirit of this agreement translates into safer lives at sea.”

Looking Ahead

FISH Platform looks forward to continuing collaboration with the IMO, member states and international partners to support the effective implementation of the Cape Town Agreement and advance initiatives that integrate safety across all areas of fisheries management and governance.

About FISH Platform

The FISH Platform is the world-leading network of experts dedicated to safety and health in the fishing industry.

The organisation represents specialists from over 40 countries and works globally to improve fisher safety, health and welfare through:

• expert meetings
• technical working groups
• international collaboration

Its mission is to elevate safety standards across the fishing sector and ensure that the wellbeing of fishers remains a central priority in maritime governance.

Membership

To learn more or become a member:

https://www.fishplatform.org

Contact

Email: cor.blonk@fishplatform.org
Website: https://www.fishplatform.org

Address

E4 Hilton Business Park
East Wittering
West Sussex
PO20 8RL
United Kingdom