The Cape Collective Agreement of 2017: What You Need to Know
The Cape Collective Agreement of 2017, also referred to as the Cape Town Agreement, is a document signed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states in September of that year. The agreement aims to promote the safety of seafarers by establishing minimum standards for the design, construction, equipment, and operation of fishing vessels of 24 meters in length and above.
This agreement is significant because fishing vessels have traditionally been excluded from international regulations on ship safety. The Cape Collective Agreement seeks to remedy this by requiring vessels to meet specific safety requirements, such as having sufficient stability and buoyancy, adequate ventilation, and appropriate medical facilities. The agreement also stipulates mandatory equipment, such as survival suits, emergency position-indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs), and distress flares.
The Cape Collective Agreement builds on the existing regulatory framework established by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). It is expected to improve safety not only for seafarers but also for the environment and the wider community. This is because fishing vessels are often involved in accidents that result in loss of life, injury, or pollution.
The Cape Collective Agreement has been ratified by several countries, including France, South Africa, Spain, and Norway. It is open for signature to all IMO member states and is expected to come into force three years after at least 22 states, aggregating 3,600 fishing vessels operating on the high seas, have expressed their consent to be bound by it.
In conclusion, the Cape Collective Agreement of 2017 is a crucial step towards improving the safety of seafarers and preventing accidents in the fishing industry. As a professional, it is important to be aware of this agreement and to create content that informs readers about its significance, especially those in the maritime industry or those interested in maritime safety. By doing so, we can help raise awareness of this important issue and promote safer practices on the high seas.