Our Bureau

Chennai , Jan. 30

FISHERMEN are just 1 per cent of the world's work force, but they account for 7 per cent of the occupational deaths, according to the International Labour Organisation, said Mr George A. Conway, Chief, Alaska Field Station, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

The figure could be higher in developing countries where detailed statistics are not available. It is not just storms but the environment on a fishing craft that can be hazardous. Complicated and heavy equipment, tired fishermen, lack of safety equipment and poor communication facilities contribute to the fatalities, he said.

The need is training, safety equipment and communication systems, he said.

Dr Y.S. Yadava, Director, Bay of Bengal Programme - Inter-Governmental Organisation, said that the concept is little understood by planners. Fishermen do not just lose their lives in disasters but fall to day-to-day hazards — falling overboard, heavy winches and ill-equipped crafts that venture out too far (when near-shore catches are going down) are some of their daily problems.

Such issues will be addressed at the third International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference, IFISH 3. A survey and assessment of the safety of small fishing vessels in India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand by the FAO and the Bay of Bengal Programme will also be discussed. Delegates from 16 countries, including safety officials, the Indian Coast Guard, NGOs, academicians, fishermen's cooperatives and some of the largest fishing companies in the world will attend the meeting.

The conference is to be held from February 1 to 4 at Mahabalipuram, near Chennai.

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