CPT Agreement On Fishing Vessel Safety Needs Buy-In From 8 Further States To Take Effect
The new agreement on fishing vessel safety in Cape Town is almost ready!
The United Nations recently stated that, as of February this year, 14 countries are already on board with the new Cape Town agreement on fishing vessel safety as sanctioned by the IMO. This means that a further 8 states need to get on board in order for the implementation of the agreement to take effect in October 2022, as is currently planned.
In essence, the Cape Town Agreement seeks to put in place standards for the design, construction and equipment of fishing vessels, including regulations designed to protect the safety of crews and observers, and provide a level playing field for the industry in general when it comes to enhanced safety on the seas.
However, the treaty will only enter into force 12 months after at least 22 States, with an aggregate of 3,600 fishing vessels of 24 m in length and over operating on the high seas have expressed their consent to be bound by it.
To date, 14 member states have ratified the agreement. This includes Belgium, Cook Islands, Congo, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Netherlands, Norway, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, South Africa, and Spain. This means that 8 more ‘yes’ votes are required.
According to both the IMO and Pew Charitable Trusts, its associated global research and advocacy group, once the required number of states are on board, it will serve as a powerful impetus for flag-flying vessels to be held accountable for the safety of their ships and crews; and to ensure that that fishing operations are conducted safely and legally.
Essentially, it will serve a pivotal 4th instrument to develop, entrench and enhance fishermen working conditions for safety globally in a standardised and harmonious way. The existing three include the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Fishing Vessel Personnel (STCW-F); the ILO Work in Fishing Convention 2007, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA).
It’s so heartening to see that great strides are being taken to safeguard the livelihoods of fishermen and -women around the globe. Keep an eye on the blog in the coming months for more fascinating stories and insights from the world of shipping, and updates on the implementation of the Cape Town agreement as it becomes available.
In the meantime, feel free to get in touch with a member of the Link Ship Chandlers team if you would like to learn more about the chandling services we provide from ports in Cape Town, Saldanha, Gqeberha, Coega, Durban and Richards Bay.
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