Finland to become latest party to Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety

Finland has become the latest state to become party to the Cape Town Agreement on fishing vessel safety, the IMO recently confirmed.

The agreement outlines regulations designed to protect the safety of crews and observers by setting international standards for stability, construction, and associated seaworthiness of fishing vessels of 24 metres length and over, as well as requirements for life-saving appliances, communications equipment, and fire protection.

The agreement has also been regarded as a tool in combating illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing.

The treaty will enter into force 12 months after at least 22 states, with an aggregate 3,600 fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over operating on the high seas, have expressed their consent to be bound by it. With Finland’s accession, 14 countries have now ratified the agreement.