Cape Town Agreement: Cape Town Agreement on Fishing Vessel Safety

The Cape Town Agreement on Fishing Vessel Safety sets out minimum standards for the safety of fishing vessels that are 24m or more in length, covering the design, construction, equipment, and inspection of vessels. The purpose is to ensure seaworthiness, the provision of life-saving equipment, and fire protection. The provisions in the agreement also cover the equipment used and will help reduce plastic pollution from lost fishing gear. The Cape Town Agreement was adopted by members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2012 and will enter into force in 2027. The Cape Town Agreement is an important complement to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), another IMO Convention that aims to ensure the safety and seaworthiness of ocean-going vessels. Fishing vessels are exempt from many of the safety provisions articulated in SOLAS. The Cape Town strengthens safety standards for more than 45,000 vessels world-wide that are 24 metres in length. Its provisions facilitate control of fishing vessel safety by flag, port and coastal States.