‘At sea, every detail counts’, a new campaign to prevent risks in the fishing sector

The National Commission for Safety and Health at Work (CNSST), within the framework of the Spanish Strategy for Safety and Health at Work, has launched the campaign “At Sea, Every Detail Counts”, an awareness-raising initiative aimed at the fishing sector.

Fishing is demanding work that requires experience, coordination and constant attention. Every manoeuvre, every piece of equipment and every decision is part of an environment in which small details can make all the difference.

This campaign was created to strengthen the culture of safety in the fishing sector through clear, concise messages that can be applied to everyday work on board. Common situations, such as equipment operations, moving around on deck and managing vessel stability, are addressed through a practical, accessible approach. The initiative is aimed at everyone involved in fishing activities, including crews, skippers, vessel owners, occupational risk-prevention services, sector organisations and public authorities.

The aim is to integrate safety as an essential part of work done properly, fostering habits that contribute to safer and more professional activity. At sea, paying attention to every detail not only improves the way work is carried out, but also helps people perform their duties with greater safety and confidence.

The vessel’s watertight integrity is a key factor in its safety and stability while at sea. Situations such as blocked freeing ports, improperly closed external openings or leaks in the hull can allow water to accumulate or enter the vessel, affecting its behaviour and stability. Keeping drainage systems clear, ensuring that doors and openings are properly closed, and checking the condition of the hull all help to prevent these situations. Paying attention to these aspects helps preserve the vessel’s stability and prevent it from capsizing.

The ability to respond to water ingress is essential to maintaining vessel safety. Features such as bilge alarms, pumping systems and watertight compartments play a key role in detecting and controlling flooding. If these systems do not work properly or are not used correctly, water ingress may progress unchecked. Keeping alarms operational, ensuring an effective pumping system is available, and keeping watertight compartments closed make it possible to act quickly and limit the impact. Preparation and the proper condition of these systems are essential for dealing safely with such situations.

A vessel’s stability can be affected by various factors encountered in day-to-day operations. Excessive loads on deck, inadequate distribution or securing of cargo, modifications that alter the original conditions, or navigation in shallow waters or areas with breaking waves can compromise stability. Correctly positioning cargo, respecting the vessel’s load limits, assessing any modifications, and paying attention to weather and environmental conditions all help maintain an adequate stability margin. Anticipation and control of these factors are key to carrying out fishing activities safely.

Operations involving equipment such as net drums or winches, for example when shooting or hauling fishing gear, are a routine part of work on board and require the utmost attention. These processes involve moving components and operational areas where there is a risk of entanglement or crushing, particularly when shooting the gear, when there is also a risk of falling overboard if safe distances are not maintained or if equipment is handled improperly while in operation.

Identifying hazardous areas, avoiding contact with nets and ropes, and maintaining safe working practices make it possible to carry out these tasks more safely. Attention during every operation and proper equipment maintenance are key to preventing entanglement and ensuring safe work.

Operations involving tensioned ropes, trawl doors and other components subjected to significant forces are part of routine work on board and require special attention. This equipment can cause sudden movements or unexpected breakages, creating risk zones where impacts or strikes may occur. Identifying these areas in advance, maintaining a safe distance, and using suitable equipment that is in good condition make it possible to carry out operations more safely. Planning, awareness and staying outside the areas of influence are essential to preventing this type of accident and working safely.

Falls can occur at different times during on-board activities, such as when embarking or disembarking, moving around the deck, or through open hatches. Factors such as slippery surfaces, inadequate access points or unprotected openings increase risk in the workplace. Assessing access routes before using them, maintaining order and cleanliness, ensuring that openings are protected, and wearing appropriate safety footwear all help people move around more safely. Paying attention when moving around and taking care of the work environment are essential to preventing falls and working with confidence.

Through this initiative, the National Commission for Safety and Health at Work reinforces its commitment to safety in the fishing sector and its determination to continue progressing towards an activity that is safer, more professional and more attractive to new generations.

The full campaign can be consulted on the website.