The Cape Town Agreement of 2012 is a ground-breaking international treaty that aims to improve the safety of fishing vessels and protect the lives of fishermen who work on these vessels. The agreement is named after the South African city of Cape Town, where it was signed on 15 October 2012.

Under the terms of the agreement, participating countries have agreed to implement a range of important safety measures for fishing vessels, including requirements for lifesaving equipment, communications systems, and onboard safety procedures. Fishing vessels are also required to undergo regular safety inspections and be certified as compliant with the agreement`s safety standards.

One of the key drivers behind the Cape Town Agreement was the high number of fatalities and accidents that occur each year in the fishing industry. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), fishing vessels are among the most dangerous workplaces in the world, with an estimated 24,000 fatalities occurring annually.

The Cape Town Agreement aims to address these high levels of risk by providing a framework for improving safety standards, increasing transparency and accountability, and encouraging greater cooperation between countries in the fishing industry.

One important aspect of the agreement is its focus on developing countries, where the vast majority of fishing vessels are not currently subject to any safety regulations or inspections. The agreement recognizes the particular challenges faced by these countries and includes provisions for technical assistance and capacity building to help them implement the agreement`s safety requirements.

The Cape Town Agreement is an important step forward for the fishing industry, and its implementation will undoubtedly save lives and improve the working conditions of fishermen around the world. However, it is important to note that the agreement only comes into force after it has been ratified by 22 countries with a combined total of at least 3,600 fishing vessels of 24 meters in length and above. At present, only 14 countries have ratified the agreement, and more work is needed to ensure that it is fully implemented and enforced.