The Torremolinos Declaration on the Cape Town Agreement of 2012 is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of seafarers and preventing maritime accidents. This declaration, which was adopted at the Torremolinos International Conference held in October 2017, reaffirms the commitment of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to improving the safety and standards of vessels.
The Cape Town Agreement of 2012 is an international treaty that aims to ensure the safety of fishing vessels by establishing minimum safety standards. The agreement was adopted by the IMO in 2012 but has not yet entered into force. The Torremolinos Declaration is a call to action for states to ratify the Cape Town Agreement and bring it into effect.
The Declaration acknowledges the dangers that seafarers face when working on fishing vessels and the impact that accidents can have on their lives and livelihoods. It highlights the need for a collective effort from all stakeholders to ensure the safety of fishing vessels and their crews. This includes shipowners, states, port authorities, and international organizations.
One of the key aspects of the Cape Town Agreement is the establishment of a mandatory safety inspection regime for fishing vessels of 24 meters and above. The inspections are designed to ensure that vessels comply with the safety standards set out in the agreement, such as having appropriate life-saving equipment, fire safety measures, and navigational equipment.
The Torremolinos Declaration also encourages states to adopt and implement the International Labour Organization`s Work in Fishing Convention, which sets out minimum labor standards for seafarers working on fishing vessels.
In addition, the Declaration emphasizes the need for improved communication and collaboration between states and international organizations to achieve the goals of the Cape Town Agreement. This includes sharing information on vessel safety, promoting best practices, and providing technical assistance to developing states.
In conclusion, the Torremolinos Declaration on the Cape Town Agreement of 2012 is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of seafarers working on fishing vessels. It is a call to action for states to ratify the Cape Town Agreement and improve the safety standards of vessels. By working together, we can create a safer and more sustainable future for the fishing industry and the seafarers who work within it.
